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Queen Elizabeth II's Equestrian Spirit Revealed
20 Apr
Summary
- The Queen required physical assistance to mount her beloved horses due to frailty.
- She famously mimicked entertainers and even made airplane sound effects.
- Her marriage to Prince Philip was a remarkable, long-lasting partnership.
Queen Elizabeth II maintained her passion for horse riding until the end of her life, with adaptations made to assist her. Royal expert Gyles Brandreth recounted how her stud groom, Terry Pendry, added extra steps to her horse mounting equipment as she grew frail.
Pendry also assisted in lifting her off her pony, a testament to her dedication. The Queen even asked him to stay on to care for her pony, underscoring her deep affection for her animals.
Brandreth also revealed the Queen's amusing side, recalling her impressive impersonations of entertainers like George Formby. In her eighties, she could perform scenes and regional accents with remarkable accuracy.
Her talents extended to imitating animal sounds and even recreating the noises of a Concorde landing, reflecting her proximity to Heathrow Airport. She also enjoyed Concorde aircraft dipping their wings in acknowledgment as they flew overhead.
The enduring marriage of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip was described as a "fascinating" and extraordinary double act. They successfully managed a blended family, accepting and moving forward through their children's marital separations and divorces.
