Longtime groom Tony Pendry shares touching stories of humour and friendship with the late monarch
In the days leading up to her passing, Queen Elizabeth II continued to display her characteristic humour and grace, as recalled by her long-time stud groom, Tony Pendry. Speaking with Gyles Brandreth on his podcast, Pendry shared a memorable encounter from their final pony ride together.
During the ride, Pendry made a light-hearted remark about the ages of both the pony and the Queen, suggesting they take a photo for the Queen’s scrapbook. "Your pony's 26, you're 96—that has to be a record," he quipped. The following day, the Queen playfully reprimanded him, saying, "You were very rude to me yesterday," before breaking into laughter.
Pendry fondly recounted this moment, highlighting the Queen's wit and warm nature, even in her final days. He also shared that he had been entrusted with sneaking the Queen’s beloved pony, Emma, into Windsor Castle’s gardens, allowing her to enjoy the outdoors in her later years.
The stories serve as a touching reminder of the Queen’s enduring sense of humour and the close friendships she maintained throughout her reign. Queen Elizabeth II passed away on 8 September 2022 at Balmoral Castle, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and dedication as the UK's longest-serving monarch.
