Buckingham Palace releases a touching new photograph to honor the late Queen's bond with one of her favorite ponies

Buckingham Palace has released a new portrait of the Queen's former pony, Emma. Emma and the Queen shared a special bond and made a poignant appearance at her funeral. 

• The touching photograph, released by Buckingham Palace, shows a close-up of the late Queen's pony, Emma, alongside a touching caption.
• Emma and the Queen shared many happy memories together, with Buckingham Palace revealing that, "for the past fifteen years, Queen Elizabeth regularly rode Emma for light exercise in the grounds around Windsor Castle".
• In other royal news, the connection between King Charles' rumored coronation date and The Queen.

Queen Elizabeth II had strong bonds with animals, in particular her beloved horses and corgis.

During the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, the late Queen's fell pony, Emma was seen alongside the procession to say a final farewell to her owner. The majestic black pony stood at the side of the Long Walk on the approach to Windsor Castle as Queen Elizabeth II's coffin drove past.

Emma was in the care of the late Queen's stud groom and manager at Windsor Castle, Terry Pendry, who has spoken previously about the Queen and Emma's bond. He described Emma as, “a wonderful servant to Her Majesty” and one of her favorite horses, according to reporting from ITV News. 

Alongside the photograph of Emma, Buckingham Palace wrote a touching caption, which read, "A new photograph of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s fell pony, Emma.

"Emma paid tribute to Her Majesty during the Ceremonial Procession in Windsor on Monday 19th September, ahead of the Committal Service at St George’s Chapel. 

"For the past fifteen years, Queen Elizabeth regularly rode Emma for light exercise in the grounds around Windsor Castle, during Her Majesty’s private time. 

"Emma will continue to be much-loved and cared for at the Royal Mews, Windsor, and regularly exercised by its small, dedicated team."

Buckingham Palace also released the picture on Twitter, alongside a heartfelt caption. 

Fans were quick to show their appreciation for the poignant post, with many responding emotionally. 

"Such a sweet moment which bought a lump to the throat knowing she was saying goodbye to Her Majesty," wrote one royal fan. 

While another said, "Seeing Emma watching her riding companion go past is what made the tears start to flow for me."

A third commented, "I hope the grandchildren will ride her in Queen Elizabeth's memory."

During her riding career, Emma appeared at a number of prestigious shows, including the Horse of the Year Show Ridden Finals, Olympia in the Mountain, and the Moorland Supreme Championship Final.

Emma retired in 2007 and returned to live at the Royal Mews at Windsor, where the palace says that she will be "much-loved and cared for".