Sophie Countess of Wessex greets the Queen with a formal curtsy

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Sophie, 50, and the Queen, 89, are at the Royal Windsor Horse Show
Following royal protocol, Sophie curtsied to her mother-in-law
Today was an unmissable event in Her Majesty's diary

Published: 06:37 EST, 15 May 2015 | Updated: 13:47 EST, 15 May 2015

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Sophie, Countess of Wessex, was all smiles as she formally greeted her mother-in-law the Queen at the Royal Windsor Horse Show today.

Following royal protocol, the 50-year-old wife of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, dropped to one knee and curtsied as she was received by Her Majesty, who appeared to be distracted by something to her left.

Sophie then warmly kissed the Queen, 89, on both cheeks before they settled down to watch an afternoon's racing.

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Sophie, Countess of Wessex, was all smiles as she formally greeted her mother-in-law the Queen at the Royal Windsor Horse Show today

Even though the two ladies are members of the same family, royal protocol dictates that Sophie must curtsy to the Queen.

The blonde mother-of-two was dressed down in a navy jumper which she wore under a belted anorak and paired with chocolate suede riding boots.

She was joined by her daughter Lady Louise Windsor, who wore a pale blue shirt and a smart green blazer and shared a brief embrace with her grandmother the queen.

This week's Royal Windsor Horse show is regarded as an unmissable event in Her Majesty's diary - and she's turned out every day to admire the equestrian talent on display.

Following royal protocol, the 50-year-old wife of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, dropped to one knee and curtsied

Her Majesty, however, appeared to be distracted by something to her left

Sophie then warmly kissed the Queen, 89, on both cheeks before they settled down to watch an afternoon's racing

On Friday, the monarch was all smiles in a red, green and purple headscarf and khaki jacket as she grinned broadly watching the horses pass by.

The equestrian fan, watched avidly as the horses were led by - and chatted to fellow guests at the show at Windsor Castle, Berkshire.

The Duke of Edinburgh was absent today but enjoyed the show on Thursday.

The 93-year-old royal was in high spirits as he arrived to watch the dressage in his Range Rover at the high-profile event.

Despite the rainy conditions, the Duke of Edinburgh smiled as he chatted avidly to a passer-by on a buggy.

Queen Elizabeth II attends the Royal Windsor Horse show in the private grounds of Windsor Castle on Friday

This week's Royal Windsor Horse show is regarded as an unmissable event in Her Majesty's diary - and she seemed to be enjoying the day out

The Queen was all smiles in a red, green and purple headscarf and khaki jacket as she grinned broadly

The Queen chatted to fellow equestrian fans, no doubt about the day's events

The five-day show, held in the private grounds at Windsor Castle, is now in its 72nd year and the Queen has attended every single year since it began as a wartime fundraising event back in 1943.

It is a show intrinsically linked with the royal family; both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh competed at it during their younger years, with Prince Philip entering the Carriage Driving at Royal Windsor Horse Show for 30 years, winning it just once in 1982.

Nowadays, the Duke participates as an obstacle judge in the Marathon phase of the competition.

Queen meets King of Bahrain at Royal Windsor Horse Show

The avid equestrian fan appeared to be in her element as she watched the horses pass by

The monarch was seen chatting to one of the jockeys at the event at Windsor Castle

The 89-year-old was in good spirits in a more casual outfit than we are accustomed to seeing her in

The Queen watches The Land Rover Mountain and Moorland class in the Copper horse arena

The Queen has this week been joined by the Duchess of Cornwall at the event but today flew solo

In 2014, spectators watched as Olympic Gold Medallist Charlotte Dujardin won the international dressage competition. Today, the Queen laughed and joked

In more recent years, the Queen has watched many of her own horses take part in the showing class competitions.

The Duchess of Cornwall has been a regular companion by her side this week.

This year's show, which runs until Sunday 17th May, includes international events such as show jumping, dressage, carriage driving and endurance racing.

In 2014, spectators watched as Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin won the international dressage competition.

Other highlights include spectacular displays from The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and The Household Cavalry, the DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games and The Shetland Pony Grand National.

This year's show, which runs until Sunday 17th May, includes international events such as show jumping, dressage, carriage driving and endurance racing