The distinctive grey roan horse which led the team drawing HM The Queen’s state Gold Coach during the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002 has died in retirement at The Horse Trust’s Home of Rest for Horses.
Aptly named Monarch, he completed 16 years loyal service to Her Majesty before enjoying his six years of retirement in the rolling Chiltern hills.
The 25-year-old, 16.1 hand gelding completed his Royal duties in harness to the mail carriage, taking the daily correspondence between Buckingham Palace and The Royal Mews with stops at Clarence House and Kensington Palace. Many new drivers at The Royal Mews perfected their driving skills with Monarch before moving on to the larger carriages seen at many formal and state occasions.
“Monarch was a pleasure to have with us,” says Horse Trust yard manager Shirley Abbott. “He was always a perfect gentleman and we will miss his morning whicker when we bring the horses their breakfast each day.”
