Saturday 17 September 2022 10:38 PM Four magnificent horses from the 'Mounties' will lead the Queen to her final ... trends now
When four magnificent horses of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police take the first steps of the Queen’s funeral procession tomorrow, it will mark the culmination of a 53-year love affair between the late Monarch and the ‘Mounties’.
Ridden by officers wearing the famous red tunics and stetsons, the four horses will lead the extraordinary ceremonial parade from Westminster Abbey to Hyde Park Corner.
Fittingly, one of the quartet is named Elizabeth (after the Queen Mother) and was given to the Queen as a gift in 2012.
Horses of honour: Superintendant Kevin Fahey on Sir John, Sergeant Major Scott Williamson on Darby, Corporall Justine Rogawski on Elizabeth and Constable Katy Loisel on George of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will take the first steps of the Queen’s funeral procession
Elizabeth, aged 17, will parade alongside George, a 22-year-old horse that has been ridden by King Charles at Trooping The Colour ceremonies since 2009, and Sir John, a 14-year-old charger currently ridden by Princess Anne.
The final member of the foursome, aged 16, is called Darby and has toured the world with the Musical Ride – a spectacular display team consisting of 32 horses bearing riders with 7ft lances, performing intricate manoeuvres.
The horses will be ridden at the procession by Superintendent Kevin Fahey, Sergeant Major Scott Williamson, Corporal Justine Rogawski and Constable Katy Loisel.
Their trained police steeds are expected to cope well with the crowds likely to be packing the route along Whitehall and The Mall.
Sgt Major Williamson, who will be riding Darby tomorrow, last night said it was ‘incredibly humbling’ to be given the honour of leading the funeral procession.
‘The relationship that we have with Her Majesty is very special and it’s fair to say it’s even become quite personal.
‘It’s hard to
