Rare Letters Reveal Late Queen Elizabeth's Frustration with Veterinarians
Newly surfaced correspondence offers an intimate look at the monarch's private equestrian life.
1Discovery of Private Archive
A collection of nearly 50 letters and memoranda written by Queen Elizabeth II between 1954 and 1961 has surfaced. These documents, held by the family of her former equerry Brigadier Walter Morley Sale for 65 years, are now being auctioned by Bonhams in London with an estimated value between £8,000 and £12,000.
2Frustration Over Veterinary Care
In a candid July 1960 letter, the Queen expressed deep irritation regarding the medical treatment of her horse, Dove. She explicitly stated she was allergic to veterinarians after a disagreement over a diagnosis. This rare glimpse into her temperament highlights her intense personal involvement and protective nature regarding her royal stable's animals.
3Concerns for Royal Children
The correspondence reveals the Queen's cautious approach to her children's equestrian training. She expressed concern about letting Prince Charles ride challenging ponies, fearing he would be discouraged by their difficulty. She noted that even Princess Anne struggled to control them, reflecting her pragmatic and protective parenting style during the mid-twentieth century era.
4Humility in Riding Ability
Despite her lifelong passion for horses, the Queen demonstrated surprising humility regarding her own skills. In one letter, she admitted that her horse, Sea Breeze, was far too talented for her once-a-week riding schedule. She even speculated that the animal possessed the potential to compete at an Olympic level one day.
5Legal Inquiries and Accidents
The archive documents a more assertive side of the monarch, particularly regarding safety and public image. Following an undisclosed carriage accident, she inquired whether she could sue the driver for dangerous behavior. This interaction underscores her expectation of high standards and accountability for those operating within the royal household's daily transport.
6Adjusting to Royal Duties
A 1954 memo provides a humanizing look at her early reign, showing her adjusting to signing documents as Elizabeth Regina. After criticizing the appearance of a closed carriage at Westminster, she quickly added a postscript apology for her oversight. This moment captures the transition into her formal role as the sovereign.
7Role of the Equerry
Brigadier Walter Morley Sale served as the Crown Equerry from 1955 to 1960, managing the Royal Mews. The archive includes 12 Christmas cards and extensive notes, illustrating a long-standing professional relationship that lasted until his death in 1976. These documents provide context on the logistical operations managed by the royal household staff.
8Historical and Personal Value
Manuscript specialist Matthew Haley notes that the collection offers an unusual insight into the late Queen's personality and the monarchy's daily workings. With 80 to 100 pages of her handwriting, the archive confirms the depth of her equestrian passion, which was previously underestimated by the public before these documents were finally released.