Queen Camilla revealed she was brought to “tears” after watching the equestrian team at the Paris Olympics last summer during a poignant reception at Clarence House on Wednesday evening.

The Queen, patron of the British Equestrian Foundation (BEF), looked stunning in a navy blue dress, which she paired with black boots and her signature jewellery.

She welcomed dozens of members of the British equestrian teams and congratulated the medallists from the Paris Olympics and Paralympics and the teams behind their successful year.

Reflecting on equestrian at the games, the Queen said: “It made us all feel very proud to be British.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there but I was watching very keenly every bit of it on the television and it really did bring tears to the eyes.

“Thank you to the whole team for what you do and let’s keep British best.”

The teams won 12 medals in total across both games, with every athlete bringing home at least one.

Elsewhere, King Charles’s wife was given a drawing from the five-year-old daughter of gold medallist Ros Canter, who handed the picture to the royal.

In the drawing, Ms Canter’s daughter Ziggy said she would like to be a princess.

“That’s very sweet. Tell her I will send her a letter,” the Queen said after congratulating the Olympian.

Camilla also met support staff such as coaches, vets and physiotherapists – for humans and horses and grooms who look after the horses.

Many of the athletes had met the King and the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace in November when they hosted a ceremony for the medallists – which the Queen could not attend due to illness.

Before the reception, she held a private audience with Fields Wicker-Miurin, chairwoman of the BEF, and Jim Eyre, the foundation’s chief executive.