The Queen suffered another loss after the death of Prince Phliph. Former Royal Studs manager and old friend Sir Michael Oswald has died at the age of 86.
Sir Michael was the racing advisor to Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother for nearly 30 years. He died after a long illness, on April 17, the same day as the Duke of Edinburgh was buried in Windsor, according to The Times.
Over the years, Sir Michael was often photographed alongside the Queen in various appearances. Also when the Duchess of Cambridge made her long-awaited debut at Royal Ascot in 2016, she too was photographed enjoying a conversation with the expert.
"He always said he had the most wonderful job anyone could ever have and that for the rest of his life he was just doing what he would have done if he were a rich man who would not work." said Sir Michael's widow, Lady Angela for Racing Post.
Prior to taking up the post of Queen's racing advisor in 2003, Sir Michael worked for the Queen Mother from 1970 until her death in 2002.
Horse sports are one of the passions of the royal family.
The queen has learned to ride since the age of three.
The Duke of Edinburgh played polo until 1971, when he discovered wheelchair riding and was credited with bringing the sport to the UK. He represented Britain in 3 European Championships and 6 World Championships.
His youngest granddaughter, Lady Louise Windsor, 17, has followed in the footsteps of her late grandfather and is an accomplished wheelchair rider.
Princess Anne was also the first royal to compete in the Olympics, taking part in the 1976 Montreal Games and riding the Queen's horse, Goodwill, in Eventing.
Her daughter, Zara Tindall, also represented Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics, winning a silver medal at the Eventing.
