Her Majesty The Queen will attend this year’s Badminton Horse Trials, which kicks off tomorrow (Wednesday 8 May, 2024). The organisers were “delighted” to announce news of the royal guest, who will be taking part in celebrations on the final day, Sunday 12 May.

The Queen, who is Patron of British Equestrian, will watch the final showjumping phase of the competition before presenting prizes to the winners. The 2024 event will be particularly exciting as it is being held in the run up to the Paris Olympics and also marks the 75th anniversary of the premier five-star competition.

The prize pot for this year’s competitors has been given a welcome boost, with the winner due to take home £425,000 – an increase of 12 percent on last year’s event.

Badminton was founded in 1949 and takes place on The Duke of Beaufort’s estate in Gloucestershire. It is one third of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing.

Queen Elizabeth ll presented the Badminton trophy on the occasion of the 50th anniversary, in 1999, to the winner, the five-time British Olympian Ian Stark.

Tickets for Badminton Horse Trials 2024 are now on sale, and all tickets must be purchased in advance.

Those looking to follow the action from home can subscribe to Badminton TV’s live streaming service, along with analysis and interviews, or watch highlights on the BBC. We will also be sharing reports from all phases with galleries of the top contenders, so stay tuned!

Lead image: Presentation by the then Duchess of Cornwall and now Queen of the Mitsubishi Motors Trophy to Michael Jung, with Lance Bradley, MD of Mitsubishi Motors UK. Credit: Badminton Horse Trials