Prime Minister in waiting Gordon Brown has been seen at Balmoral, the Queens Norfolk estate, leading the Queens horse on more than one occasion.
One observer, farm laborourer Stan Quince, has told us that Mr. Brown, often seen sporting a kilt and a fake ginger beard, has been making Her Majesty 'squeel' with laughter as they stroll amidst the peacocks and royal game.
"His jokes must be quite good" said Quince (52) "As the Queen often has to dismount and gallop to the throne-room...if you get my drift".
Royal watcher Sir Darius Thrustington - Pange has 'scotched' any suggestion that there may be more to the relationship than mere protocol.
Mr. Brown, who succeeds Tony 'Bliar' on Wednesday, was saying nothing as his car swept through the gates of Sandringham on Monday morning. However, the sound of Jimmy Shand could be heard blaring from the car's stereo.
Meanwhile the press office at Buckingham Palace are saying nothing of a rift between Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh.
