Aurora, a retired police horse that led Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession through Windsor, has died at the age of 13.
Known to officers by her stable name ‘Doris’, the grey mare retired in September 2022, with her final public duty leading the late Queen’s state funeral procession.
Aurora was well known to The Royal Family, having also escorted them at Royal Ascot, and was on duty at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex,
The 13-year-old mare was put to sleep after suffering a ruptured ligament.
Aurora joined Thames Valley Police’s mounted section in 2015.
Commenting on her death, a force spokesperson said she “had such a sweet nature” and was a “big gentle giant… who always did a good job of keeping us on our toes.”
Aurora retired to The Horse Trust in 2022 following the Queen’s funeral after she was found to be lame.
The force spokesperson added: “We cannot thank them [The Horse Trust] enough for the wonderful retirement she got to enjoy.”
“Gallop pain-free sweet girl and thank you for your service.”
