Just weeks after we reported the deaths of the Duchess of Grafton and Lady Diana Farnham, another of Her Majesty’s close circle of friends has passed away.

Ivor Herbert, a racing journalist, horse trainer, and a regular visitor to the Queen’s Balmoral estate, passed away on January 5. He was 96 years old at the time.

This series of tragic news comes less than a year after the death of her husband, Prince Philip.

Ivor Herbert, one of the Queen’s long-time friends, has died. Credit: Getty (left) and Racing Post (right).​

Mr Herbert’s death was confirmed by The Times newspaper, which read: “Herbert Ivor died peacefully at home on the 5th of January, aged 96.”

“Beloved father of Nick, Kate and Jane and grandfather to Joe. Private cremation. The details of a memorial service to follow.”

He was a long-time friend of the Queen and the royal family, and even penned The Queen Mother's Horses in 1967.

He was considered one of the three most distinguished horseracing writers of his generation, along with John Oaksey and Hugh McIlvanney. Throughout Mr Herbert’s career, he managed to write 23 books; more than half were about horses and racing, including the bestsellers Red Rum and Arkle.

He also co-authored Princess Royal’s 1991 equestrian autobiography Riding Through My Life.

Credit: British Pathé / Reuters.​

Royal fans know that the Queen has a passion for horse racing and is a regular at horse racing events across the country.

It is believed that Her Majesty owns around 100 horses in excess and has racked up approximately £6.75 million from prize money over the years.

Her granddaughter, Zara Phillips, followed in her mother Anne’s footsteps and is an Olympic equestrian.

We hope Her Majesty, The Queen looks at her horses and remembers her dear friend. Rest in peace Ivor Herbert.

 

[Goodbloke]

The Queen faces further heartbreak as she mourns death of another close friend​

Just weeks after we reported the deaths of the Duchess of Grafton and Lady Diana Farnham, another of Her Majesty’s close circle of friends has passed away.

Ivor Herbert, a racing journalist, horse trainer, and a regular visitor to the Queen’s Balmoral estate, passed away on January 5. He was 96 years old at the time.

This series of tragic news comes less than a year after the death of her husband, Prince Philip.

Ivor Herbert, one of the Queen’s long-time friends, has died. Credit: Getty (left) and Racing Post (right).​

Mr Herbert’s death was confirmed by The Times newspaper, which read: “Herbert Ivor died peacefully at home on the 5th of January, aged 96.”

“Beloved father of Nick, Kate and Jane and grandfather to Joe. Private cremation. The details of a memorial service to follow.”

He was a long-time friend of the Queen and the royal family, and even penned The Queen Mother's Horses in 1967.

He was considered one of the three most distinguished horseracing writers of his generation, along with John Oaksey and Hugh McIlvanney. Throughout Mr Herbert’s career, he managed to write 23 books; more than half were about horses and racing, including the bestsellers Red Rum and Arkle.

He also co-authored Princess Royal’s 1991 equestrian autobiography Riding Through My Life.

Credit: British Pathé / Reuters.​

Royal fans know that the Queen has a passion for horse racing and is a regular at horse racing events across the country.

It is believed that Her Majesty owns around 100 horses in excess and has racked up approximately £6.75 million from prize money over the years.

Her granddaughter, Zara Phillips, followed in her mother Anne’s footsteps and is an Olympic equestrian.

We hope Her Majesty, The Queen looks at her horses and remembers her dear friend. Rest in peace Ivor Herbert.

Sadly one of the issues with getting old is that all your life long friends also are getting old. Tough to outlive them.