Queen names horse to lead cavalry at King's Birthday Parade
The Queen has named a horse set to lead the Mounted Cavalry at the King's Birthday Parade on Saturday.
Queen Camilla presented a head collar with the name Juno to the horse before giving her a Polo mint and a carrot, at a ceremony in the gardens of Clarence House.
A portrait of the 10-year-old Shire mare by artist Mandy Shepherd was also unveiled at the occasion, which the Royal Household commissioned to mark Juno's role.
Previously known as Willa Rose, Juno will formally pass out of her two-year training with the Life Guards regiment when she leads the mounted parade for the Trooping the Colour ceremony on Saturday.
Her part in the proceedings will officially grant her the title of a Drum Horse, the most senior animal in the British Army.
The event is a ceremonial celebration of the current British monarch's official birthday, also known as the King's Birthday Parade, and takes place at Horse Guards Parade in London.
As part of the Army's modernisation programme, 'Future Soldier', this year will see all five regiments of Foot Guards of the Household Division in attendance for the first time in more than 30 years and will include more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians.
Trooper Lewis Kane, of the Household Cavalry regiment, said: "Juno is a fantastic-looking animal.
"She had the whole package, size, build, quality, so it was just a case of committing to the training.
"She has a fantastic temperament, which is one of the key qualities and one you don't usually get with mares."
Queen Camilla first met Juno on a visit to Dyfed Shire Horses in Pembrokeshire, Wales, in 2018.
To be considered ready for the parade, Juno has proved she is able to be ridden with reins operated by the stirrups, while carrying an adult in full ceremonial uniform, as well as the two silver kettledrums.
She must also cope with crowd noise and demonstrate confidence in leading the three other Drum Horses – Perseus, Atlas and Apollo.
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