The Touching Detail You Might Have Missed From Queen Elizabeth's Funeral
The late monarch's groom used one of her iconic possessions to say goodbye.


Somehow two years have already passed since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral at Westminster Abbey. And although royal fans might remember seeing the late monarch's Fell pony, Emma, standing by to watch the procession in Windsor, there's a rather sweet story behind the accessory on her saddle.
Queen Elizabeth's groom, Terry Pendry, brought Emma out to pay her respects at Windsor Castle, with the duo standing in a sea of floral tributes that had been arranged in the grass as the Queen's coffin entered the Windsor Castle grounds.
While millions around the world were touched by the pony's appearance on such a somber day, she also had a special accessory draped across her saddle: one of Queen Elizabeth's famous Hermès scarves.
The late monarch—who died at the age of 96—owned an array of colorful silk designs by the French luxury brand, and Pendry took it upon himself to use one of the scarves in his final goodbye to his longtime boss.
In an interview with the "Rosebud" podcast on Friday, Sept. 6, Pendry shared the story behind his emotional—and somewhat controversial— decision to get Emma involved in the funeral.
The Queen wore the blue version of Hermès's Royal Mews scarf, which Emma would go on to wear during the funeral, in 1994.
"I didn't dare tell anybody," the royal groom said, adding he feared someone at the palace would've prevented him from bringing the pony. "I wasn't going to have any of that."
Pendry told the podcast he did confide in Queen Elizabeth's senior dresser, Angela Kelly, because he needed to ask her for "one of The Queen's scarves."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
While Kelly originally told the groom no and that he "mustn't" carry through with his plan, Pendry stayed firm, replying, "I'm going to and I will."
Luckily, Kelly eventually "caved" and Pendry selected a scarf, choosing "one of [Queen Elizabeth's] favorites," a design that was created for the 1993 Royal Windsor Horse Show, per the Carre de Paris blog.
Queen Elizabeth rode Emma until shortly before her Sept. 2022 death at the age of 96.
The scarf pays tribute to the Royal Mews, the official home of Buckingham Palace's horses and carriages. Hermès presented Queen Elizabeth with a light blue version of the special design, which was created in a range of colors such as red and pink.
The silk style highlights a variety of the carriages used by the Royal Family in its pattern, including the Gold State Coach that has been used at every coronation since 1831.
The scarf also reads "Buckingham Palace" at the center, making it the perfect choice for Pendry's final tribute to Queen Elizabeth.
Of course, the late queen was a longtime head scarf aficionado, frequently stepping out in the silk styles for royal functions over the years.
As for Pendry and Emma's sweet gesture, we have a feeling Queen Elizabeth would have approved.

Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.
Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.
Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.
-
Former Royal Butler Says Donald Trump's Comments About Queen Elizabeth Are "Perfect PR"
"The royal’s PR team are not going to mind that at all."
By Kristin Contino
-
Amanda Nguyen’s Subconscious Is Rebelling Against This Buzzy Wellness Trend
Plus, the breathing tip she’s stealing from the Navy Seals.
By Samantha Holender
-
Why Gracie Abrams Feels "Lucky" to Have Witnessed Taylor Swift Dealing with Fame
Abrams opened for Swift during the Eras Tour.
By Lia Beck
-
Former Royal Butler Says Donald Trump's Comments About Queen Elizabeth and King Charles Are "Perfect PR" for the Royal Family
"The royal’s PR team are not going to mind that at all."
By Kristin Contino
-
James Middleton Shares Why He Was "Breathless and Flustered" During Meeting With Queen Elizabeth
"I heard a snort of laughter and looked past the Queen to see everyone in the room stifling their giggles."
By Kristin Contino
-
Lip Reader Reveals the "Disapproving" Comment Queen Elizabeth Allegedly Made During Kate Middleton and Prince William's Wedding
She reportedly had lots of nice things to say, too.
By Amy Mackelden
-
This Unexpected Royal is Said to be Responsible for the Remarkable Shift in Queen Camilla's "Public Perception"
Charles and Camilla's story "took a defining turn" after this intervention, according to one royal expert.
By Kristin Contino
-
The Surprising Reason Why Queen Elizabeth Was "Absolutely Adamant" to Not Attend King Charles and Queen Camilla's Civil Wedding Ceremony
The couple is celebrating their 20th anniversary on April 9.
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince Philip Was "Quite Ready to Die" But Queen Elizabeth Was Left With a "Huge Void"
"I have absolutely no desire to cling on to life unnecessarily. Ghastly prospect."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Queen Elizabeth Once Enjoyed Her Own Secret Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical—and It Starred a Member of the Royal Family
The custom show was created for her 60th birthday, according to famed lyricist Tim Rice.
By Kristin Contino
-
The Royal Family Has Seen an 11% Rise in Stalkers Over the Past 3 Years With Nearly 500 Targets Identified
"The difficult task is identifying those with the means and determination to act."
By Kristin Contino