All the Queen’s Horses
At the Queen’s official birthday celebration, all the Queen’s horses play a historical role in the pageantry.
This year, the Queen’s 90th, there was a smaller more personal birthday celebration at Windsor Castle preceding the official one. It too had horses in the pivotal role.
“No one does spectacle like the British Royal Family,” Jane Pauley, Today Show
The event at Windsor was an evening celebrating her life. It focused on her love of horses and animals, the Armed Forces, the Commonwealth and all the Queens horses. I was fortunate to be there.
Let the Party Begin
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh arrived in the Scottish State Coach drawn by pairs of matching grey horses. They were greeted by two members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Prince Charles, Patron of the event. Once they were seated the evening took off – literally.
Nine hundred horses
It was a kaleidoscope of color, horses, pageantry and history, in a fast-paced glittering presentation. The theme was the story of Her Majesty’s life from birth, following her growing up through the war years, her marriage and coronation.
Her work, travels and connections around the world followed. The performance included nine-hundred horses, fifteen-hundred performers. Twelve countries participated. Entertainers included Helen Mirren, Martin Clunes, Andrea Bocelli, Shirley Bassey, “Mr. Carson” from Downton Abbey and “Ant and Dec” two very popular British entertainers. But it was the horses who stole the show.
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery set the scene. They thundered into the arena, gun carriages clinking and set up for a ceremonial round of fire. They retreated the same way. We were on the edge of our seats and stayed that way for the rest of the evening.
Around the World
Continuing the story line, Queen Elizabeth’s State Visits to 42 countries were next in the spotlight.
Marking this, as well as her love of horsemanship, the Royal Oman Cavalry staged a stunning display. Horses entered the ring at full gallop with men and women riders barefoot and bareback
This incredible show was followed by the Azerbaijani Dancers and Karabakh Horses. These riders rode under and around the horses, also at full gallop/charge. It was breathtaking and unfortunately too fast for me to capture.
Legendary Horse Whisperer
Jean Francoise Pignon took part in an International Salute. This equine expert claims he can understand a horse in an hour and have 12 horses stand in a neat line at his command.
This segment was magical with the elegant creatures circling freely at his biding, manes flowing. A white shetland pony who rolled over stole the heart of the audience.
Commonwealth and Family
The Commonwealth was represented by Fijian dancers and their band, the New Zealand Army Band, South Australian Police Band and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Each segment was a mosaic of colorful artistic choreography.
Scotland, home farms, and family.
The Queen’s love of Scotland, her love of farms, and livestock was colorfully represented with Scottish traditions, Tossing the Caber, pictures of favorite ponies, dogs and some of her rare breed of cattle.
For a finale some of the riders in the Queen’s family made a special appearance on horseback. Princess Anne, her daughter Zara Philips Tindall, and Prince Edward with his daughter Lady Louise Windsor.
At the end of the evening Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip returned to Windsor Castle by car after the brilliant celebration of both her 90th birthday and 64 years on the throne. She is England’s longest reigning Monarch. It was also an unforgettable celebration of all the Queens Horses. TV commentator, Jane Pauley once commented, “No one does spectacle like the British Royal Family.” How true.
To watch the entire evening of this unique birthday presentation YouTube has a clip presented by ITN. You may just wish to pick your favorite sections – but it is a record of a truly amazing evening with music and close ups. It is a chance to see the Karabakh horses which were too fast for me.
(If you have an issue with downloading YouTube link go to my website angelanealworld.com and view the post from there, or download from YouTube “The Queen’s 90th Birthday celebration (Full HD))
Fabulous and incredible! So beautiful and special! Thank you Angela! Was just in London too but not this wonderful experience. Drinks or something soon?
Oh yes, would love to catch up. And hear about your London experience!