Late monarch’s deep love for horses revealed in personal account
Queen Elizabeth II may have led a life defined by duty, but those closest to her say her devotion to horses was just as strong and deeply personal.
Known for her lifelong passion as a horsewoman, the late monarch took great care in following the lives of her horses. According to her longtime groom at the Royal Mews, Terry Pendry, she would even wake in the middle of the night for a truly special reason.
In Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, author Gyles Brandreth shares Pendry’s account of the Queen’s remarkable dedication. He explained that whenever a mare was about to give birth, the Queen wanted to witness the moment.
Even while staying at Windsor, she remained closely connected to her horses through a video link to Sandringham, where many of her racehorses were bred. Staff, including her trusted aide Paul Whybrew, would alert her when the time came.
Pendry recalled that she found real joy in watching new foals being born, no matter the hour. It was a quiet but powerful reflection of her lifelong bond with horses, showing a more personal side of a monarch often seen through the lens of public duty.
