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NEIGH STOPPING HER

Queen Elizabeth beams with delight as a pony greets her upon arrival in Scotland

THE Queen beamed with delight today when a small pony greeted her and tried to eat her flowers as she visited one of Scotland's most popular attractions joined by Prince Phillip.

The royal couple toured the Kelpies sculptures in Falkirk by barge - and formally opened the new canal section.

 The Queen's guard of honour included a guard of honour including Shetland Pony Cruachan IV - who tried to get a taste of the flowers
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The Queen's guard of honour included a guard of honour including Shetland Pony Cruachan IV - who tried to get a taste of the flowersCredit: PA
 Her Majesty beamed with delight when she was met by the adorable Shetland pony
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Her Majesty beamed with delight when she was met by the adorable Shetland ponyCredit: PA:Press Association
 The Queen smiled as she was introduced to two horses, Duke and Dan, who, as Clydesdales, are the same breed of horse which inspired Andy Scott's landmark Kelpies sculptures
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The Queen smiled as she was introduced to two horses, Duke and Dan, who, as Clydesdales, are the same breed of horse which inspired Andy Scott's landmark Kelpies sculpturesCredit: PA:Press Association
 Large crowds of onlookers, including many children, waved Union flags as the royal party passed by
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Large crowds of onlookers, including many children, waved Union flags as the royal party passed byCredit: PA
 Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to The Kelpies sculpture near Falkirk to unveil a plaque to name the canal that runs through the Helix development
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Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to The Kelpies sculpture near Falkirk to unveil a plaque to name the canal that runs through the Helix developmentCredit: PA

Afterwards Her Majesty visited Sterling Castle to mark 70 years since being appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

Her guard of honour included Shetland Pony Cruachan IV - who tried to chew on the flowers.

Later in the day The Queen met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at her official residence in Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh.

Named after the monarch, the Queen Elizabeth II Canal in Falkirk forms the eastern gateway to the Forth and Clyde Canal and flows right up to the acclaimed 30 metre-high artwork featuring two horse heads.

Cheered on by hundreds of onlookers, the Queen and Philip boarded a bunting-covered boat for a five minute trip to the Kelpies landmark where she was introduced to two Clydesale horses, Duke and Dan, who inspired artist Andy Scott.

Crows of people waved Union flags as the royal party passed by, with an aerobatic display from the Global Stars stunt flying team taking place overhead.

 Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets Queen Elizabeth at Holyrood Palace, her official residence, in Edinburgh, Scotland
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Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets Queen Elizabeth at Holyrood Palace, her official residence, in Edinburgh, ScotlandCredit: AP
 Queen Elizabeth II greets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during an audience at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
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Queen Elizabeth II greets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during an audience at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in EdinburghCredit: PA
 Five-year-old Sam Mitchell gives Queen Elizabeth II a present during her visit to Scotland which attracted hundreds of cheering spectators 
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Five-year-old Sam Mitchell gives Queen Elizabeth II a present during her visit to Scotland which attracted hundreds of cheering spectators Credit: PA:Press Association
 Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh arrive by boat to visit the 30 metre-high artwork featuring two horse heads
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Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh arrive by boat to visit the 30 metre-high artwork featuring two horse headsCredit: PA:Press Association

Since it opened in April 2014 more than 2.5 million people have reportedly visited the sculptures, which are inspired by the horse-drawn barges of the canal in the past.

Andrew Thin, chairman of Scottish Canals, said: "We are honoured that Her Majesty the Queen was able to join us to celebrate the naming of the Queen Elizabeth II Canal in her honour."


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