Buckingham Palace has bid farewell to a treasured member of the royal household after 14 years of service. Irish draft horse Tyrone, a 19-year-old Windsor Grey horse who pulled royal carriages during some of the monarchy’s most significant occasions, has retired after a decade and a half of “noble service”.
Last week the Windsor Grey officially retired from royal duties, after working at nearly every royal occasion over the last decade and a half. According to the Sunday Times , Tyrone will be spending his retirement at the Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire, a sanctuary for retired horses in the Chiltern Hills. The much loved horse concluded his ceremonial duties following French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit in May 2025
He was particularly adored by the late monarch, who was known to go out of her way to bring him carrots at the Royal Mews stables on Buckingham Palace Road.
The Queen owned several horses and they were central to her life from a very young age. She reportedly had her first riding lesson when she was just three years old.
Tyrone made his debut in 2012, where he pulled the carriage bringing the late Queen to the to the state opening of parliament.
Standing at 18 hands, or 6 feet tall, Buckingham Palace described Tyrone as a “gentle and dependable giant” in their farewell message.
The Palace wrote: “After 14 years of noble service with the Royal Mews, we are celebrating Tyrone and wishing him a happy retirement!”
Buckingham Palace’s tribute also featured a carousel of images of Tyrone and information about his most important duties.
Throughout his long career, the Irish draught horse participated in the monarchy’s most prestigious ceremonies.
He drew the Diamond Jubilee State Coach that transported King Charles and Queen Camilla from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey for the 2023 coronation.
Last week Tyrone finally left harnesses and carriages behind him to begin a well-earned retirement. He was reunited with his father, Storm, 26, and sister, Meg, 20, both former royal carriage horses, at the Horse Trust in Buckinghamshire, according to The Times.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, crown equerry Colonel Toby Browne, who oversees the Royal Mews, said that the late Queen look an interest in Tyrone, noting that she “loved the fact there was a family connection with Tyrone, Storm and Meg”.
He added that Tyrone is a “very popular chap – a big fan favourite’, and that everyone loves the horse, who is ‘very hard-working and really deserves his retirement”.