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By Jane Seymour, Royal Editor

The Queen is officially starting this year's London Marathon, but it's anyone's guess what time she'll finish.</strong>

Her Majesty, 91, will start the marathon on April 22 from a special podium at Windsor Castle, which means she then has to run into central London to join the rest of the athletes on the course.



A royal insider said: "The Queen is a keen jogger and is often seen running around Windsor Great Park or St James' Park in London.

"It's long been the secret of her amazing fitness for a woman of her age.

"She has never run more than a mile before, so the London Marathon course will be tough, of that there is no doubt.

"But <a href="https://www.suffolkgazette.com/news/the-queen-hen-night/">Her Majesty</a> has an amazing 'can do' attitude, and she is determined not to be beaten by someone dressed up as a seven-foot carrot, or by someone running with a washing machine on their back.

"She certainly hopes to finish in under five hours."

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Crowds lining the streets will be desperate to catch a glimpse of The Queen as she runs past.

After the finish line in The Mall, it is just a short walk home to Buckingham Palace for a well-earned rest and a cup of tea.

A spokesman for the London Marathon said: "We invited <a href="https://www.suffolkgazette.com/news/framlingham-castle-queen/">the Queen</a> to officially start this year's event, and we were thrilled when she accepted.

"But we never expected her to take part. Fair play to her, she will be giving it a right Royal go."

It is not know which charity Her Majesty will be running for, although it is known she needs a few funds for Prince Harry's wedding spectacular a month later.

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