The longest-serving monarch in the history of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has today passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle, aged 96.
Crowned at Westminster Abbey on June 2nd 1953, at the age of 25, Her Majesty the Queen was last seen publicly to welcome the United Kingdom’s 15th Prime minister, Mary Elizabeth Truss on September 6th, 2022.
News of Her Majesty the Queen’s recent ill health came after she was unable to fulfil an appointment on September 7th, 2022. The meeting, scheduled with the Privy Council, was due to take place online, however, it was reported she was instead to rest.
His Majesty King Charles III (73) will now carry the responsibility of continuing the monarchy with Queen Consort, Camilla Dutchess of Cornwall by his side.
A statement, released by Buckingham Palace reads:
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The
Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow”.
A lifelong equestrian, her love of all things horse was by no means a secret and was shared alongside her husband, the late Prince Philip who passed away in 2021, daughter Princess Anne, and grandaughter Zara Philiips.
HM Queen Elizabeth II stood Patron of The British Horse Society while dedicating time, energy and incredible effort to not only the Household Cavalry, but to many initiatives and organisations outside the monarchy.
She would often be seen riding within the grounds of Windsor on her most loved equines. Even when doctors advised against riding, it wasn’t long before she was back in the saddle, proving it would take more than ill health to tear her away from what had become far more than a hobby, but a lifestyle.
Extending activities beyond the saddle, HM the Queen drove further into the equestrian industry by offering her efforts to hunting, showjumping, dressage, and of course racing. HM the Queen’s stables host an admirable line-up of successful racehorses, while she was most noteably recognised for entering horses into many classes at her beloved Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Throughout history, her favourite equine was Burmese, a black RCMP Police Service Horse whom she rode Trooping the colour for eighteen consecutive years, from 1969 to 1986.
The Queen’s recent Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service, was celebrated with a plethora of activities in 2022, with horses taking centre stage in many events planned throughout the celebration.
As the nation moves to mourn Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we extend our condolences to King Charles III and the rest of the Royal Family.
Rest in piece Your Majesty. 1926 – 2022.
