Freshman Grace O. Meets Queen Camilla
![student-holding-horse-while-meeting-royalty-from-united-kingdom]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777924860/foxcroftorg/xq7h6zzcw1xo1b5ioabi/wIMG_8875.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777924860/foxcroftorg/xq7h6zzcw1xo1b5ioabi/wIMG_8875.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777924860/foxcroftorg/xq7h6zzcw1xo1b5ioabi/wIMG_8875.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1777924860/foxcroftorg/xq7h6zzcw1xo1b5ioabi/wIMG_8875.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777924860/foxcroftorg/xq7h6zzcw1xo1b5ioabi/wIMG_8875.jpg","width":1280}])
Freshman Grace O. Meets Queen Camilla
Last week, King Charles III and Queen Camilla spent four days in the United States, ending their trip with a visit to Virginia. On Thursday, April 30, they attended a parade and block party in Front Royal and, in the afternoon, the Queen’s lifelong love of horses brought her to The Plains. Foxcroft freshman Grace O. had the opportunity to meet the Queen during her visit to Smitten Farm, where she explored the work of America’s horse racing industry and efforts at improving racehorse welfare. “Her Majesty is truly so kind and caring,” reflected Grace. “She was very genuine and easy to talk to.”
Read Grace’s full recap of the experience below:
“Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to meet Queen Camilla as my mom organized an event at Smitten Farm in The Plains for the British Embassy as a representative for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. The trip highlighted the post-racing careers, retirement, and care of off-the-track racehorses. As an owner of two retired racehorses myself, I gave a testament to the reporters on how important it is that these horses have a second career, and how amazing they can be for competitive junior riders such as myself.
“My role in the event was to hold a retired racehorse for the Queen to meet. I shook her hand, and she was very kind and seemed interested in my personal riding. I handed her carrots to feed the horse that I was holding, and got the honor of the British Embassy wishing me a happy birthday. I was so grateful to get to meet the Queen and be a part of a charity that supports the horses that I love and own.”
Photo credit: Getty Images
Watch a short video (credit: The Royal Family Channel) to see more from Queen Camilla's visit to Smitten Farm — Grace O. makes an appearance at 3:45 minutes in!