The beach to the east side of the gardens is a great meeting place where dogs cool their bellies and their handlers chew the cud. We are too early to socialise today but we share the smallish morning hours with other early birds. A mysterious island sits a strong ball’s throw into the river. Beyond the island but still in view at the far river bank, trainers gallop their charges around the racecourse at Ascot.

Walking North, Matti considers a detour down the jetty so as to perhaps close to within barking range of the equestrian events, but quickly rejects the idea in favour of her usual place of repose.

Her Highness is queen of all she surveys, for a moment at least, then she's called to "Walk On."