THE Queen is well known for her love of horses, so a trip to Pembrokeshire's very own equine hospital was the perfect way to start the day.

Her Majesty was given a tour of the facilities by Cotts director John Edwards after being greeted by a small crowd including 1st Narberth Scouts and well-wishers.

The facility was built in 2008 and became a dedicated equine hospital in 2009. Graham Fowke and John Edwards had previously worked as vets at Fenton  before they started Cotts in 2005.

Mr Edwards said: “She was very relaxed, very knowledgeable as you would expect. She asked pertinent questions and was interested in what we had to show her.

“She was very at ease with all the staff, which was great.

“It’s lovely that all the public have shown up."

Equine veterinary nurse Elizabeth Ward spoke to Her Majesty in the surgical theatre.

“She asked me about all the different surgeries that we do," she said.

“We had a colic surgery last night and she asked how it went, and she’ll meet the patient in the stables later.

“She commended us for how marvellous clean everything was.”

During her visit the Queen was shown the examination room, 'knowck down and recovery suite', operating theatre and stables where she not only met equine patients but also Grand National favourite TeaForThree who is trained here in Pembrokeshire.

Anna Ryder Richardson, TV personality and friend and neighbour of The Cotts, was among well-wishers in the crowd. 

She said: “Graham, who’s one of the owners of Cotts, and Evie his wife are some of our best friends.

“We’re very excited to see the Queen.

“My daughters are here. They are expecting her to show up in her crown.

“We’re huge royal fans.”

Youngsters from Narberth Scouts gave the Queen a huge welcome waving flags, and a number of children attending also presented her with flowers.

Ram Jam, AKA 1st Narberth Scouts leader William Silverstone, said “It’s a great honour for 1st Narberth Scout group to have the opportunity to meet the Queen at the work place of our group Scout leader Graham Fowke.

“The children are loving it, and are really excited.”

Emma Faletau, who was at Cotts with her daughter Lesi Eli, said: “We’re big royal fans. When we got the letter to say the Queen was coming we were very excited about it all."

See our gallery of The Queen at Cotts Equine Hospital here.