'Gentle giant' police horse Aurora who led the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral procession at Windsor Castle as millions watched from around the world dies aged 13 - just weeks after royal stallion Caeser was put down due to arthritis

• Aurora joined Thames Valley Police’s mounted section in 2015 

A ‘gentle giant’ police horse who led the late Queen’s funeral procession at Windsor Castle has died aged 13.

Millions watched Aurora – who was also affectionatley known as ‘Doris’ – on TV on September 19, 2022.

Aurora joined Thames Valley Police’s mounted section in 2015 with officers saying she ‘had such a sweet nature’ and was a ‘big gentle giant who always did a good job of keeping us on our toes’.

The grey shire horse led the solemn procession into Windsor Castle, on her last day of service before her retirement.

Paying tribute, TVP Windsor and Maidenhead mounted police section said it was ‘extremely proud’ that her last duty representing the force was for such a historic event.

A ‘gentle giant’ police horse who led the late Queen’s funeral procession at Windsor Castle has died aged 13

Millions watched Aurora – who was also affectionatley known as ‘Doris’ – on TV on September 19, 2022

Aurora joined Thames Valley Police’s mounted section in 2015 with officers saying she ‘had such a sweet nature’

The 18-hands (6ft) high horse had been in the care of the Horse Trust since her retirement due to being lame.

The force said: ‘We cannot thank them enough for the wonderful retirement she got to enjoy.

‘Gallop pain-free sweet girl and thank you for your service.’

Aurora was also on duty at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and worked at numerous football matches and music concerts.

‘Aurora had such a sweet nature, she was another big, gentle giant of ours who generally looked after the newer riders but always did a good job of keeping us on our toes’, TVP’s Mounted Section said in a tribute on X.

The Horse Trust said today that Aurora was put to sleep after suffering a ruptured ligament.

A spokesman for the charity said: ‘Due to her other diagnoses and sheer size, this severely limited her prognosis and any treatment options available would have severely impacted her quality of life to undertake.

‘Therefore, it was decided to let Aurora be at peace and run pain free.’

The charity added: ‘Aurora fitted straight into our herd of retirees and made many friends both equine and human due to her placid nature.

‘Her gentle character and striking size and beauty made her stable door popular for our visitors to linger at, as Aurora almost always had her head out and was ready for the strokes and adoration she so deserved in her retirement.’

Aurora’s death comes just weeks after the royal stallion Caeser was put down due to arthritis.

Caesar was a part of the Thames Valley Police for 10 years and each year he protected the late Queen at the Royal Ascot during the Royal procession.

The grey shire horse led the solemn procession into Windsor Castle, on her last day of service before her retirement

The Horse Trust said today that Aurora was put to sleep after suffering a ruptured ligament

He died last month aged 23 and was described as ‘a giant of a horse, with a giant heart to match’.

Although he was ‘imposing’, PC Laura Webb of the Thames Valley Police mounted section said he was a ‘big softie with a liking for strawberries’.

The horse – who was more than six feet tall – was originally named Oliver and it had been planned for him to pull carts at county shows.

But his life took a completely different turn when he joined the police force, where he was given the name Caesar.

The Horse Trust said: ‘One of his important roles each year was providing close protection security for the late Queen at Royal Ascot during the Royal procession.

‘Caesar lived up to his new title, and took to police work naturally.

‘During his career he attended public order commitments nationwide, and he was regularly recognised.

‘Caesar was often deployed to assist with various security operations involving the Government and counter-terrorism patrols at identified target locations.

‘Caesar had more than seven years of peaceful and well-deserved retirement.

‘He enjoyed continuing his celebrity lifestyle without the day job.

‘Caesar was the face of our sponsorship scheme, and his many fans have supported his retirement throughout his life in Buckinghamshire.

‘Because of his popularity, he had his own ‘Caesar Sunday’, when enthusiasts would gather at the Home of Rest for Horses to meet him.’

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