The Queen will miss the Epsom Derby for just the fourth time in 75 years thanks to ongoing Covid restrictions.
Her Majesty, a keen horse lover, is understood to be watching the races from her home this year, rather than taking her usual seat in the royal box.
The Epsom Derby takes place at 4.30pm this afternoon.
Though mixing is allowed as England eases out of lockdown, indoor hospitality venues will still enforce rule of six, meaning the Queen would only be able to host five other guests.
Masks will also need to be worn when people are not eating.
A source told The Telegraph: "It’s a Derby but it’s not a traditional Derby day.
"It’s not going to be what it normally is so the Queen has decided she would rather watch it at home."
Only a quarter of the usual number of spectators will be given tickets to get into the racecourse, and the famous Hill where thousands of people would normally stand to watch the race will be closed.
The Queen missed Epsom last year when it was held behind closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The only other times she has not been able to attend were in 1984, when she was in France for the 40th anniversary of D-Day, and in 1956, when she made a state visit to Sweden.
Other than that, each year since 1946, she has taken her place in the royal box to watch the races.
It's thought the monarch may also choose to do the same for Royal Ascot this year, although it's been hinted that she might attend on specific days if one of her own horses is running.
Next year, it's hoped that the Queen's plans will look very different as she will celebrate her Platinum Jubilee.
And that will include a day at the Epsom Derby with other members of the royal family also in attendance.
On Saturday June 4, Buckingham Palace confirmed: "Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by Members of the Royal Family, will attend the Derby at Epsom Downs."
Other details announced include Trooping the Colour returning to London and a music concert at the Palace.
There will also be The Big Jubilee Lunch and a pageant featuring over 5,000 people from across the UK and the Commonwealth.
Buckingham Palace also announced a bonus bank holiday for Brits, from Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5, which a statement said "will provide an opportunity for communities and people throughout the United Kingdom to come together to celebrate the historic milestone".
