The King receives a new horse from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Published

Currently settling into life at The Royal Mews in Windsor, Noble, is a 7-year-old 16.2 hands high black mare. His Majesty was pleased to meet Noble for the first time at The Royal Mews earlier this week. 

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are known for their world-famous Musical Ride – a showcase of their calvary’s equestrian skills – and have a long association with The Royal Family. Having taken part in The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, the ‘Mounties’ went on to present Her Late Majesty with eight horses throughout her reign. The first of these was Burmese, in 1969, who Queen Elizabeth II rode at Trooping the Colour for 18 years.  

Noble toured with the RCMP’s Musical Ride in 2022, where she was recognised for her superior physical and athletic ability, as well as her composed personality. Having demonstrated her potential during the tour with the Musical Ride, participating in 90 public performances at 50 different locations in Canada, Noble was selected as the ideal horse for His Majesty because of her size and ability. Her calm demeanor allows her to thrive in the sometimes raucous atmosphere of exciting public events.

Bred and trained in Canada as part of the RCMP breeding programme in Pakenham, Ontario, Noble received her name through the RCMP’s annual ‘Name the Foal’ contest.

Background

The relationship between the RCMP and The Royal Family dates back to 1904, when King Edward VII bestowed the title of Royal on the North-West Mounted Police, making it the Royal North-West Mounted Police.

Four members of the RCMP, riding horses they had gifted to The Queen, took part in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession in September 2022. 

Noble’s registered name, following the necessary naming conventions for Hanoverian mares (whose official names must begin with the same letter as their sire, named High Spirits), is Her Noble. However, the RCMP has always used just the name Noble on all identifiers such as name plate, halter, tack boxes, etc.

2023 marks the 150th Anniversary of the RCMP.

The other horses given to Queen Elizabeth II are:

  • Centenial (gifted in 1973 to mark RCMP centenary)
  • James (gifted in 1998 as part of RCMP 125th anniversary) The King as Prince of Wales regularly rode James for Trooping the Colour
  • George (gifted in 2009 to mark 40th anniversary since Burmese) The King as Prince of Wales has ridden George for Trooping the Colour
  • Elizabeth (gifted in 2012 to mark Diamond Jubilee)
  • Sir John (gifted in 2016 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday)
  • Kluane and Darby (both gifted in 2019 to mark 80th anniversary of breeding programme and 50thanniversary of presentation of Burmese)

     

Related content

News

Royal Maundy 2025

17 April 2025
The King and Queen at the Maundy Service in Durham

A message from The King to mark Easter

There are three virtues that the world still needs — faith, hope and love. “And the greatest of these is love”.

17 April 2025

The King’s speech at the State Banquet at the Quirinale Palace, Italy

It is also moving to think that my great, great grandfather, King Edward VII, and my great-grandfather, King George V, both spoke at State Banquets in this very Palace over a...

09 April 2025

The King delivers an address to the Italian Parliament

It has been one of the pleasures of my life to come to know this irresistible country, and from Turin to Palermo, Verona to Naples, Florence to Trieste, I have learned a...

09 April 2025

The King's message to the regional media industry in the UK

Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share.

27 March 2025
News

Commonwealth Day 2025

10 March 2025
Commonwealth flags

A speech delivered by The King during a visit to HMS Prince of Wales whilst at sea

I can only say that I take immense pride in you - the men and women who bring this vessel to life with such indomitable spirit - for your vital service on behalf of us all.

04 March 2025

The King's Commonwealth Day Message 2025

The Commonwealth’s ability to bring together people from all over the world has stood the test of time and remains as ever-important today.

09 March 2025
News

The King visits Staffordshire

24 February 2025
The King visits Tower Brewery
Press release 07 February 2025

The King and Queen will visit the Holy See and Italy

Read more

A speech by His Majesty The King to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz

As the number of Holocaust Survivors regrettably diminishes with the passage of time, the responsibility of remembrance rests far heavier on our shoulders, and on those of...

27 January 2025
News

Holocaust Memorial Day 2025

27 January 2025
The King with Jewish leaders

A message from The King to the people of Glasgow celebrating the city’s 850th anniversary.

It goes without saying that people really do make Glasgow. As one of the most diverse cities in Scotland and beyond, it is entirely fitting that the celebrations to mark this...

13 January 2025

A message of condolence from The King following the South Korean plane crash

My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the horrific air accident at Muan, which resulted in such grievous loss of life. As the people of the Republic of Korea...

29 December 2024

A message of condolence from The King to the people of Vanuatu, following the recent earthquake.

I am aware, from my visit to Vanuatu and Port Vila in 2018, of the extraordinary spirit of ni-Vanuatu, which has been called upon too often in recent years with repeated...

21 December 2024
Press release 16 December 2024

The King's Gold Medal for Poetry 2024

Read more

A message read by The Duchess of Edinburgh, on behalf of The King, marking the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham Bombings

Today we remember the twenty-one people who lost their lives so cruelly and all who were injured, many of them grievously. We also pay heartfelt tribute to those who rushed to...

21 November 2024

A speech by The King at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, Devon

It is this operational excellence, underpinned by your unique skillset and training, which will ensure that all of you, as Royal Marines, will help to perpetuate our peace and...

15 November 2024
Press release 13 November 2024

Bishop of Norwich appointed Lord High Almoner

Read more

A message from The King to King Felipe VI of Spain regarding the ongoing floods in Valencia.

Our special thoughts, prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with all those who have lost loved ones and livelihoods this terrible week.

02 November 2024