Horse trainer and friend of Queen Elizabeth forced to turn down invitation to royal funeral

One of just a handful of Australians invited to the Queen’s funeral has had to turn down an invitation to her funeral for a sad reason.

A renowned horse trainer who enjoyed private phone calls with Queen Elizabeth has revealed he was forced to turn down an invitation to the monarch’s funeral.

Chris Waller, who is based in Sydney but born in New Zealand, was due to fly to London to attend the service, which will be held on Monday.

However, the 49-year-old announced yesterday that he would be unable to attend alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon and a string of high-profile names including Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott and Governor-General David Hurley.

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Taking to social media on Thursday, Mr Waller confirmed the decision was due to “Covid-19 related” reasons, and it is understood a close family member was struck down by the illness.

“It’s an honour and I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the people of Australia to represent the country in farewelling Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” he said.

Horse trainer Chris Waller enjoyed private chats with the Queen. Picture: Richard Dobson

“Unfortunately due to Covid-19 related circumstances I am unable to attend the funeral.

“Like so many others, I will live with and cherish for the rest of my life the fond memories I have of Her Majesty; her love of horses and all animals, her passion for life, and the respect she gave everyday people.”

Mr Waller said his “deepest condolences go out to the Royal Family and the rest of the world that currently mourn”.

“What a great life Her Majesty lived, and what an inspiration she was, and will continue to be, to so many generations around the globe.”

Mr Waller said the late monarch was an “inspiration” to many.

Mr Waller, who trained legendary racehorse Winx, was a close friend of the Queen, who kept one of her own horses, Chalk Stream, in his stable.

After learning he had been one of ten “everyday” figures selected to attend the funeral on behalf of Australia, he reflected on his relationship with the Queen.

“It’s a huge honour, it’s as simple as that,” Waller said.

“There is so many people that have been influenced by Her Majesty around the world and she has shown a particular interest in animals, horses and racehorses.

“My association was very small, having trained a horse for her and having the occasional chat with her, and the opportunity to meet her a few times.

“It has touched me.

“It’s very sad that she has passed, sad for her family and support group.”

Meanwhile, Mr Albanese has already left Sydney to travel to Britain, with a Royal Australian Air Force flight taking off late on Thursday night in Australia.

It is expected to arrive in Britain early on Friday, UK time.

Horse racing royalty Gai Waterhouse and husband Robbie also received private invitations to the service, with the couple now en route to the UK.

The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II is carried into The Palace of Westminster by guardsmen from The Queen's Company. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

The list of 10 “everyday citizens” invited to the funeral include Mr Alcott, Valmai Dempsey – the 2022 Senior Australian of the Year, Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann – 2021 Senior Australian of the Year and Shanna Whan – the 2022 Local Hero of the Year.

Saba Abraham – a local hero from Queensland, Kim Smith – a local hero from Tasmania, Trudy Lin – the 2022 Young Australian of the Year, Danny Abdallah – a co-creator of i4give Day and Foundation, and Professor Helen Milroy – the 2021 Western Australian of the Year have also been invited.

Controversial army veteran Ben Roberts-Smith, who is in the middle of defamation case with Nine Entertainment, is also headed to London for the ceremony, after the Queen requested all Victoria Cross recipients be invited.

Originally published as Horse trainer and friend of Queen Elizabeth forced to turn down invitation to royal funeral