The Royal Family couldn't hold back their laughter following a joke about Aintree during the National Thanksgiving Service.
In his sermon for the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, The Most Rev Stephen Cottrell compared the monarch's well-known love of horse racing to her long reign. The Queen bowed out of attending Friday morning's event in central London after suffering "discomfort" following the first day of festivities for her Platinum Jubilee.
However, the Archbishop of York thanked Her Majesty for "staying the course" and suggested her reign "reflects the distance of Aintree more than the sprints of Epsom".
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Mr Cottrell told the congregation: "It is well known that Her Majesty likes horse racing.
"I don't have any great tips for the Derby tomorrow, but since the scriptures describe life as a race set before us, let me observe that her long reign reflects the distance of Aintree more than the sprints of Epsom.
"Certainly, less dressage than most people imagine. But with endurance, through times of change and challenge, joy and sorrow, she continues to offer herself in the service of our country and the Commonwealth.
"Your Majesty, we're sorry you're not with us this morning in person, but you are still in the saddle. And we are all glad that there is still more to come."
Following his quip about Aintree, several members of the Royal Family couldn't resist laughing. Zara and Mike Tindall, who often attend the Grand National, could be seen beaming, while Sophie, Countess of Wessex gave a little giggle.
Princess Anne was also amused, letting a grin slip out before raising her eyebrows as the joke played out.
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