Horse that led Queen's funeral procession to Windsor Castle dies

Police horse Aurora led the procession down the Long Walk

A retired police horse that led the Queen's state funeral procession to Windsor Castle in her last day of service has died aged 13.

Aurora led the funeral procession down the Long Walk on 19 September 2022.

Known by officers as "Doris", the grey shire horse joined Thames Valley Police's (TVP) mounted section in 2015.

TVP's mounted section said Aurora "had such a sweet nature" and was a "big gentle giant... who always did a good job of keeping us on our toes."

Aurora joined Thames Valley Police's Mounted Section in 2015

Ahead of leading the procession into Windsor Castle, before her retirement, TVP Windsor and Maidenhead said it was "extremely proud" Aurora's last deployment representing the force was for such a historic event.

The 18-hands (6ft) high horse had been in the care of the Horse Trust since retiring due to being lame.

The force said: "We cannot thank them enough for the wonderful retirement she got to enjoy.

"Gallop pain-free sweet girl and thank you for your service."

Paying tribute TVP Mounted Section said Aurora had "such a sweet nature"

Aurora was also on duty at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, escorted royalty at Royal Ascot and worked at numerous football matches and music concerts.

"Aurora had such a sweet nature, she was another big, gentle giant of ours who generally looked after the newer riders but always did a good job of keeping us on our toes," TVP's Mounted Section said in a tribute on X.

She suffered a ruptured ligament and had to be put to sleep, the Horse Trust said

The Horse Trust said Aurora who "could be spotted in the field easily, like a glorious marble statue, both stoic and stunning" was put to sleep after suffering a ruptured ligament.

The charity said: "Due to her other diagnoses and sheer size, this severely limited her prognosis and any treatment options available would have severely impacted her quality of life to undertake.

"Therefore, it was decided to let Aurora be at peace and run pain free."

The charity added Aurora had fitted "straight into our herd of retirees... made many friends both equine and human due to her placid nature.

"Her gentle character and striking size and beauty made hers a popular stable door for our visitors to linger at, as Aurora almost always had her head out and was ready for the strokes and adoration she so deserved in her retirement."