Mint Juleps for the Queen & Duke

Queen Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh will attend the 133^rd running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 5. If she is a wagering person, she might want some scoop on the odds and post positions: the undefeated Curlin, made the Kentucky Derby 133 morning line favorite at 7-2, will break from post two in Saturday's Run for the Roses. Street Sense, the second choice at 4-1, fared a little better in the selection process, getting post position seven.

The Queen loves horses and racing. Her first pony was given to her by her grandfather, King George V, when she was four years old. It was a Shetland pony named Peggy. The Queen's racing colors are a purple body with gold braiding, scarlet sleeves and a black velvet cap with gold fringe. While The Queen and The Duke are pouring over the horses' stats in the Racing Form, they might also be sipping on their Mint Juleps.

Did You Know? Mint is a Sign of Hospitality. (see recipe for Mint Julep below)

Greek mythology tells of two weary travelers who could find neither help nor hospitality on the road. Finally an old couple took them in, scoured a modest dining board with mint to refresh it, and prepared for the strangers a meal. The travelers turned out to be gods in disguise, who rewarded the old folks by remodeling their little hut into a glorious temple. Thereafter mint was considered a symbol of hospitality.

The Queen and The Duke will be busy.

On Sunday, May 6^th, The Queen and The Duke will arrive at Andrews Air Force Base to prepare for an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House on Monday morning, May 7^th. They will inspect an Honor Guard and meet with guests. The Queen and President Bush will give speeches and have a private lunch. During the afternoon, a photograph session will capture Her Majesty and His Royal Highness with Commonwealth Ambassadors. The Queen's favorite part of the day might be the Garden Party at the Ambassador's residence followed by a State dinner. On Tuesday, The Queen and The Duke will visit the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Mission Control Center. May 8^th will be a special day, when The Queen and The Duke visit medical centers and memorials in Washington.