All the Queen's horses: Camilla to be registered owner of Elizabeth's racehorses

The late Queen Elizabeth's racehorses, who amassed around $9m in a thirty-year period (according to CNBC) were passed on to her son, King Charles upon her death. News from the Racing Post states that his wife, Camilla, is to be a registered owner.

The Racing Post claims that registration of ownership will be changed, with King Charles and Queen Camilla becoming co-owners. Previously, they were all registered in Prince Charles' name.

Racing indeed mourned the loss of one of the biggest supporters of the sport. Queen Elizabeth II owned over 100 horses and quite a few thoroughbred racehorses which have won a good number of races. Now, it seems, it is up to her daughter-in-law, Camilla, to take on this responsibility with her husband.

The Queen has always led the family in the horsing world, but both Camilla and King Charles have also had their own horses - thoroughbreds. And throughout the years, their horses have competed in huge sporting events such as Cheltenham and Ascot.

The Queen had more than a thousand wins throughout her reign by riders who wore her famous racing silks – a purple body with gold braid, scarlet sleeves, and a black velvet cap.

Earlier this year, these animals earned The Late Queen more than £300,000 in prize money in one season.

Now, there are an estimated 50 horses in the Late Queen's stables and Tatler reported that running the stables costs around £1.5 million a year, clearly showing a loss in revenue.

It is widely known that King Charles is aiming for a more stream-lined monarchy: reflecting the times and, in particular, the current costs of living. Tatler was told by a source that it is 'unlikely' King Charles would want to keep 40 to 50 horses with 10 trainers; "he will want to slim down the operation," they said.

In October 2022, The King sold 14 horses, which, according to the Daily Mail, earned Charles £1,075,500 in total - averaging at over £75,000 each.

There could be a clash of interests with 'slimming down' the monarchy when it comes to horses as, although Charles is known to be fond of horses, he is not enamored, while his wife, Camilla, is.

The Times first reported that Queen Camilla was expected to take over the stables, after speaking with a senior racing source. They reported that Camilla has "a real love of racing and she will be the person who speaks with the trainers each day in the way the Queen had."

According to Tatler, John Warren, Queen Elizabeth II's former racing advisor, previously said of Charles: "He has always followed it, but it has been his mother’s interest so it has been at arm’s length. He owns a few horses himself, in particular with the [then] Duchess of Cornwall. She is absolutely besotted by racing."

The then-Prince Charles wanted to understand what it was like from the perspective of a jockey. He wanted to view the races from the riding seat and understand the fitness needed for the sport. He became an amateur jockey when he was 31, but still never had the same interest in horses as his mother did.

King Charles' wife, however, has always been passionate about horses. A senior racing source told The Mail on Sunday: "I think now it will be Camilla – she will be the figurehead."

The King's wife has a long history with horses - having horses as a child and loving to ride, just like Her Late Majesty. The Queen Consort is also the patron of over 100 organisations and charities, including British Equestrian.

Founder of Horseback UK, ex-marine Jock Hutchison even commented on Camilla's knowledge of horses, saying he was "very impressed." The charity Camilla went to visit, helps rehabilitate veterans through their work with the animals.

So if Camilla does take on the task of looking after the Late Queen's treasured animals, how much would it mean to her? Camilla fondly remembers how important Queen Elizabeth's horses and ponies were to her and how detailed she was when it came to their care and breeding.

"You wouldn’t dare question her or argue with her on how horses are bred or how it ran because you’d get a very steely, blue-eyed look back again," Camilla, Queen Consort recalled, per The Daily Mail.

Despite Camilla being a horse-lover, it is perhaps The Late Queen's diligence that brought the horses success. Camilla told ITV Racing: "She could tell you every horse she's bred and owned from the very beginning - she doesn't forget anything. I can hardly remember what I bred a year ago but she's encyclopaedic about her knowledge."

Her Majesty still rode horses up to the age of 96 on the grounds of Windsor Castle and while staying at Balmoral Castle. The British Horseracing Authority released a statement saying: "Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II left an indelible mark on our sport and her legacy will continue to be felt, not only through the horses that will continue to run in the name of the King."

Although it is thought Camilla will be taking on the responsibility and management of the stables and horses, the inheritance is currently in the name of the Queen's first-born son, King Charles III.