In a recent revelation, Terry Pendry, Queen Elizabeth II's long-serving stud groom, shared the backstory of his poignant tribute during the late monarch's funeral procession in September 2022. The plan, which involved the Queen's beloved fell pony Emma wearing one of her favorite headscarves, faced initial resistance from Angela Kelly, the Queen's dresser and close confidant.
Pendry, who served the Queen for over three decades, devised a plan to honor her passion for equestrianism. His intention was to stand with Emma on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle as the funeral procession passed by. This tribute aimed to symbolize the countless hours the Queen spent riding Emma while donning her cherished scarves.
The Queen's love for horses was a lifelong affair, beginning when she received her first pony at age 4. Throughout her 70-year reign, she owned over 100 horses and was a patron of the British Horse Society. Her dedication to equestrianism was evident as she continued riding well into her 90s.
To execute his plan, Pendry needed to obtain one of the Queen's headscarves from Kelly. He recounted their conversation on the "Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth" podcast:
"I went to Angela Kelly and I said, 'I need one of the Queen's scarves'. She didn't want me to have it. She said: 'Well no, you can't, you mustn't'. I said 'I'm going to and I will. You have to give me one of her headscarves, I need to pay my last respects with Emma'."
Eventually, Kelly relented, providing Pendry with one of the Queen's favorite Hermes scarves. The scarf, presented to the Queen at the 1993 Windsor Horse Show, featured a design called "The Royal Mews" depicting Buckingham Palace's stables, which have housed royal horses since 1820.
The image of Emma standing beside Pendry, adorned with the Queen's headscarf, became one of the most memorable moments of the funeral procession. This touching tribute encapsulated the Queen's lifelong passion for horses and her close relationship with those who cared for them.
The Queen's equestrian interests extended beyond riding. She was known to read the Racing Post every morning and attended every Royal Ascot during her reign, except in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her racing colors - a purple and scarlet jacket with gold braiding and a black cap - were a familiar sight on racecourses across the United Kingdom.
Pendry's tribute not only honored the Queen's love for horses but also highlighted the deep connections she formed with those who served her. His determination to carry out this final gesture of respect demonstrates the profound impact Queen Elizabeth II had on those around her, both as a monarch and as an individual with a genuine passion for equestrianism.