Queen Elizabeth's Friend & Racing Journalist Ivor Herbert Dead At 96: He Passed Away 'Peacefully At Home'
Queen Elizabeth has lost another friend — in early January, racing journalist and trainer Ivor Herbert died at 96 years old.
"Ivor Herbert 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," an announcement in The Times read.
Racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght also confirmed then news, writing, "Sad Ivor Herbert has died aged 96; great writer/journalist re racing — books included terrific The Winter Kings on top chasers — and travel; a perceived conflict of interest with media meant no trainer’s licence permitted but did train 1957 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Linwell."
Herbert wrote several books, including one called The Queen Mother's Horses, which was released in 1967.
The two bonded over horses, as the 95-year-old is passionate about the magnificent animals.
It has been a tough few months for the Queen, as she has lost two other close friends — the monarch's lady-in-waiting Diana Maxwell, Lady Farnham, died on December 29 at 90 years old, and in early December, she lost her pal Ann Fortune FitzRoy, the Duchess of Grafton.
"It is very sad for the Queen. Everyone loved Lady Farnham, she was always so good humored. She was also a very glamorous and attractive woman," a source told The Sun about the death. “She was always very generous to new people joining the household. It has not been a good year for the Queen — losing her husband and then the Duchess of Grafton and now Lady Farnham. They were dear friends who supported the Queen on official duties. Unfortunately, a sad consequence of living a long life is that you have to say goodbye to a lot of people you care about.”
In April 2021, Prince Philip passed away at 99 years old.
During her annual Christmas speech, the Queen touched upon her loss.
“Although it’s a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year, especially, I understand why," she began.
“But for me, in the months since the death of my beloved Philip, I have drawn great comfort from the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life and work – from around the country, the Commonwealth and the world," she continued. “His sense of service, intellectual curiosity and capacity to squeeze fun out of any situation were all irrepressible. That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him."
