Queen’s head groom, 72, voices pride at taking the monarch’s favourite horse to ‘say goodbye’

Queen Elizabeth’s groom Terry Pendry has revealed his pride and honour at taking the Her Majesty’s favourite horse Emma to say a final farewell to her at Windsor Castle.

In touching scenes beamed around the world, 24-year-old Emma stepped out to greet the Monarch for the last time, as the royal hearse arrived in Windsor yesterday.

Mr Pendry was seen bowing his head as he held Emma, while the hearse carrying the Queen drove past. He had placed a head scarf on the saddle as Her Majesty rarely wore a riding hat.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline Mr Pendry, 72, who has been head groom at Windsor for 28 years and regularly rode with the Queen revealed how she had ridden Highland Fell Emma the last time back in July.

Emma, the monarch’s fell pony, stands as the Ceremonial Procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II arrives at Windsor Castle 

Terry Pendry respectfully bowed his head as the Queen’s body arrived in Windsor for her Committal Service, while Emma stood quietly by his side 

The Queen riding Emma during a trot around Windsor with Terry Pendry in happier times

Mr Pendry revealed that the Queen went last went horse riding in July, just two days before she left for Balmoral 

Emma was surrounded by the Queen’s staff, some of them sporting the medals they received for her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year

Horses were one of the Queen’s favourite hobbies, though she would famously never wear a riding helmet 

Mr Pendry, who attended the service at St George’s Chapel, and who lives on the estate, said: ‘It was an honour and privilege to have Emma with me to say goodbye to Her Majesty for the last time.

‘The Queen adored Emma and rode her for more than 20 years so it was only right she should have been there, and she behaved impeccably.

‘I think she probably had some sort of sixth sense that Her Majesty wouldn’t be riding her anymore and she did her proud by standing there so respectfully.’

He went on: ‘The Queen always rode with a white sheepskin saddle, it was her favourite, so I made sure Emma had that on as well.

‘Then for the finishing touch I put Her Majesty’s Hermes headscarf on the saddle. It was her favourite and had the horses and carriages printed on it.

‘Less is more if you ask me. I could have put her riding crop and gloves, but I just thought the headscarf was the perfect touch.’

Mr Pendry said: ‘I’ve been riding with the Queen for years and the last time she was on Emma was back on July 18 – two days before she left for Balmoral.

The Queen riding Emma in Windsor in 2015. Mr Pendry said Her Majesty always rode on a white sheepskin saddle

Queen Elizabeth II and Terry Pendry enjoying a ride around the grounds of Windsor Castle in 2007

‘It’s a memory I shall never forget, and I tell you something, the Queen may have been frail as any 96-year-old would be, but she was still as sharp as anything, she was crystal clear.

‘I was right by her side and there was no indication that anything was wrong with her. The Queen was an incredible lady who selflessly dedicated herself to the service of this country and the commonwealth.

‘It’s been my privilege to have been a loyal servant of the Queen and I hope to carry on my work for the King and there is lots of work to be done.’

Mr Pendry, who was awarded the LVO and BEM for his services, added: ‘I’m sad to say that I don’t think we shall ever seen anyone like the Queen again and there are no words to express how much I shall miss her.

‘All I can say as a loyal servant of many years is ‘God bless her and God Save The King.’ The last few days have been very traumatic but now we just have to carry on and get on with our work.

‘I’m just so glad that Emma and I were able to say our goodbye at Windsor where Her Majesty enjoyed riding her horses so much.’