Solvang, California —Improbably and indelibly, Monty Roberts grew to become Queen Elizabeth II's horseman and extra.
The queen, who had a lifelong love of horses, invited the California cowboy to her stables at Windsor Fortress in 1989. Roberts had revolutionized horse coaching by taming horses utilizing the silent language of kindness.
"I believed she was a groom," Roberts instructed CBS Information of the assembly. "And I mentioned, 'Good to satisfy you.' I stepped again and I went, 'Oh my God. Oh, you are the queen.' And she or he mentioned, 'Sure, final time I checked.'"
From there got here handwritten letters and annual Christmas greetings all through their three-decade friendship. Roberts mentioned Queen Elizabeth handled him like a youthful brother.
"I'd at all times name her 'Her Majesty,' however the friendship was deep," he mentioned.
When requested whether or not he ever thought of what a cowboy like him was doing hanging out with the queen, Roberts mentioned: "Solely about two or 3 times a day — and each night time once I went to mattress!"
On Monday, Roberts, who remains to be in shock over his buddy's demise, will attend her funeral.
"I do not wish to let her go," he mentioned. "She's going to be with me each on the spot that I am alive."