Earl of Carnarvon pays tribute to his godmother, the Queen, a 'very special lady'
The Earl of Carnarvon has paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, following her death earlier this week.
George Herbert, eighth Earl of Carnarvon and the present owner of Highclere Castle, is godson to Her Majesty.
His father Henry Herbert, seventh Earl of Carnarvon, was a personal friend of Her Majesty since their adolescent years, whom she nicknamed ‘Porchie’.
He served as the Queen’s racing manager from 1969, helping to train her racehorse, ‘Highclere’, aptly named after his grand estate.
The eighth Earl said: "It was with great sadness I learnt of the death of Her Majesty the Queen yesterday evening.
"I have always had the utmost respect for Her Majesty whose long life of service and duty to the people of the UK and Commonwealth has been recognised all over the world.
"My father was a personal friend of the Queen and they shared the same passion for the countryside and, breeding and racing thoroughbred horses.
"I have happy memories as a boy of Her Majesty coming to stay with my father at Highclere and visiting the mares and foals both at her stud by Kingsclere and on the Estate.
"The Queen had a natural affinity with dogs and horses and it was obvious to all around her that she had a passion for the countryside and farming and a real connection with people working on the land.
"I soon learnt that you must never underestimate her knowledge in any area of discussion as she was very well briefed on topical subjects of the day.
"I have special memories of visits to the Queen and Prince Philip at Balmoral, Sandringham and Windsor Castle.
"The Queen was never more at home than when walking on the hills and moors by Balmoral or the big sky country of Sandringham.
"At Windsor she kindly allowed me to accompany her on a riding trip and lent me the beautiful horse ridden by President Reagan only a short time before at a State visit.
"I had the great privilege to be a Page of Honour to Her Majesty at State Occasions between the ages of 13 and 15 and I still remember her being very kind to me, when I was a rather frightened boy about to follow the Monarch from the throne room into the House of Lords at the State Opening of Parliament in 1970!
"I was also lucky to be one of her many Godchildren and even a person as busy as Her Majesty found time to send a gift at Christmas, which was rather special.
"The extraordinary thing about the Queen was her ability to both put people at ease and include them in conversation whatever their background and age. She always drew people into a room and made them feel at home so including them in the gathering and asking about their life and interests.
"Yesterday was a sad but poignant day as the 8th September is close to the day my father died on 11th September 2001.
"Memories of time spent with the Queen are very much associated with my father’s life and times and he was a loyal friend and advisor on her racing interests over many years.
"I count myself very lucky to have got to know this very special lady quite well since my youth and her passing defines the end of an era which has been subject to so much change.
"Despite all the changes in attitudes and technology the Queen never changed in her view of duty and Christian faith. I salute her life but we must also look forward so long live the King!"
