That's a welly good look, Ma'am! Queen all smiles as she watches her horse take first place at Windsor horse show

Balmoral Erica scores victory in the Highland Championship at the Royal Windsor Horse Show

By Deborah Arthurs

In her element: The Queen looked delighted as she walked through the grounds of Windsor castle to watch her horses show at the Royal Windsor Horse Show today

The gloomy weather might be taking its toll on the nation's mood - but as the Queen watched her horse win a top prize at the Royal Windsor Horse Show this morning, it was clear she was not going to let a bit of rain dampen her spirits.

Looking remarkably cheerful as she enjoyed the day's events in the grounds of Windsor castle, the Queen was in her element.

The monarch's horse, Balmoral Erica, scored a victory in the Highland Championship in the Copper Ring at today's event.

Happy days! The Queen watches as her horse Balmoral Erica wins the Highland Championship in the Copper Ring

Pleased as punch, the Queen celebrates her win

Balmoral Erica made the Queen proud today as she took first place in the Highland Championship in the Copper Ring

And wrapped up against the chill in a chic paisley body warmer with a silk scarf tied jauntily under her chin, the monarch was the picture of rural elegance.

Donning Wellington boots to traipse across the wet grass to watch her horses perform in the Royal Windsor Horse show, the Queen looked in her element, engaging enthusiastically with her fellow attendees.

The monarch was no doubt delighted that the event - Britain's largest outdoor equestrian event - was able to go ahead, after the previous days had been blighted by rain.

A statement went out on the event's website this morning assuring visitors that following this morning's sunshine, the day's events would go ahead as scheduled, despite adverse weather conditions experienced over the first two days.

'The organisers continue to work tirelessly to ensure the best possible conditions for visitors and competitors,' they said.

However, as the park's grassy areas were left waterlogged by the downpours, visitors were urged to take public transport to the event - or join the Queen in arriving on foot.

The event, which has been running for more than 65 years and takes place in The Queen’s private grounds at Windsor Castle, has two more days to run - but organisers say they expecting the last two days to be bright and sunny.

Jolly good show! It was welly boots and a wool skirt for the Queen, as she enjoyed a rare sunny break from the adverse weather conditions that have plagued the show over the past two days