Now THAT'S a royal wave! Bizarre moment the Queen's driver delighted children by waving a koala puppet from her car window (but did he pinch it from Prince George?)

Usually the very model of decorum, a member of the Queen's personal staff broke with convention this morning.



Driving the Queen and Prince Phillip from Windsor Castle to Royal Ascot, Her Majesty's driver delighted the waiting crowds by leaning out of his window and waving a sock puppet.



The puppet appeared to be a koala. It is not known whether it was a gift to the Queen from the Duke and Duchess' recent tour of Australia and New Zealand.

While travelling down the long drive from Windsor Castle, the driver waved a koala glove puppet at the children who had been waiting patiently for a glimpse of the Queen

The charming break with usual protocol happened this morning as the royal convey set off for Ascot from Windsor castle

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh looked in high spirits as they waved to the waiting crowds

The unnamed chauffeur's playful turn were was greeted with giggles and cheers from the children in the crowd, who had been waiting a the castle gates to catch a glimpse of the Queen.



The royal, who looked bright and summery in a fuchsia coat and matching hat, also waved cheerily to the waiting crowds as the royal convoy passed by.



After putting on a mini show for one group of well wishers, the Queen and Prince Phillip were whisked on to Ascot by their comedian driver.



The Queen had arrived in the hopes of a real shot at racing glory courtesy of a hotly tipped four-year-old Bold Sniper, who proved popular with punters ahead of the Wolferton Handicap.

Sadly for the monarch, it was fourth time unluckily, with Bold Sniper left to trail in over the line in second place behind Irish challenger, George Bolton's bay racer, Contributer.

The Queen looked radiant in hot pink, happily waved to everyone who had been waiting several hours to catch a glimpse of her

The Queen, who shifted vehicle to a horse drawn carriage upon arrival at Ascot, beamed as she was driven up the course in a landau alongside the Duke of Edinburgh

The Queen waved to the enormous crowds as she was driven past on her way to the Royal Enclosure with the Duke of Edinburgh at her side

The Queen, who wore a hot pink coat and matching hat by Angela Kelly, unfortunately was disappointing in the races, with her horse Bold Sniper failing to win his race

Despite her losing streak, the monarch smiled serenely and waved happily to the cheering crowds thronging the paddock as she was driven up the racecourse.

Joining her in the first landau of four was the Duke of Edinburgh who was on typically dapper form in black morning dress and a neat grey and black top hat, while Prince Andrew, Peter Phillips and the Duke of Kent joined the party in the Royal Enclosure.







