There's One Friend Queen Elizabeth Would Never Miss a Call From—And She Even Escaped a Political Meeting to Speak to Him
Our take
The enduring fascination with Queen Elizabeth II continues to ripple through the cultural landscape, and stories like this one—detailing her close friendship with California cowboy Monty Roberts—offer a glimpse into the surprisingly unconventional corners of her life. It’s a narrative that underscores the quiet power of genuine connection, transcending social strata and professional boundaries. The fact that she prioritized calls with Roberts, even to the point of excusing herself from a political meeting, speaks volumes about the value she placed on their bond. This isn’t merely about a shared love of horses; it’s about a deep trust and understanding, a rare and precious commodity in any life, let alone the life of a monarch. It’s interesting to consider this alongside other facets of royal relationships, such as how [Queen Camilla "Made It Very Clear" That She Wasn't Giving Up One Aspect of Her Life When Marrying King Charles, Says Royal Expert], demonstrating the complexities of navigating personal desires within the confines of royal duty. The unwavering loyalty Roberts expressed – claiming he'd "take a bullet" for her – highlights the depth of their connection and further illuminates the Queen's ability to forge meaningful relationships beyond the formal structures of her role.
The story’s appeal also lies in its contrast to the often-stuffy perception of the royal family. While protocols and public appearances undoubtedly shaped much of the Queen’s life, this anecdote reveals a woman with personal passions and a desire for authentic connection. Roberts’s unique approach to horse training, emphasizing gentleness and understanding rather than force, likely resonated with the Queen’s own values and perhaps offered a refreshing perspective outside of the pressures of court. This resonates with the exploration of Princess Diana’s experience, where [Exclusive: Princess Diana's Former Bodyguard Says She "Became Frustrated" and "Didn't Always Welcome" Protection Despite Her Role] reveals a desire for autonomy and a pushback against the constraints of her position. The Queen, too, likely sought moments of respite and genuine connection, and Roberts provided that space. It’s a reminder that even those in the most elevated positions are still human, with needs for companionship and shared passions. The revelation that she valued this connection so highly—to the point of disrupting official duties—is a testament to its significance.
Beyond the immediate charm of the story, it raises questions about the importance of unconventional friendships in leadership roles. How crucial is it for individuals in positions of power to cultivate relationships with those outside their immediate circles? Does the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds foster a broader perspective and greater empathy? It’s a question that extends far beyond the royal family, applicable to leaders in all fields. Furthermore, the story subtly reinforces the idea that genuine loyalty and trust are foundational to any strong relationship, regardless of status. It’s a reminder that true connection transcends titles and hierarchies, and that the most meaningful bonds are often forged in unexpected places. The importance of these private connections are often understated when considering the public image of prominent figures, as exemplified by the insights shared by Grant Harrold, who noted that even a seemingly [Former Royal Butler Says This Unexpected Royal Is "One of the Most Laid-Back" Members of the Family, But Don't Get On Her Wrong Side].
Ultimately, the story of Queen Elizabeth and Monty Roberts is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of human connection. It offers a subtle glimpse into the woman behind the crown, revealing a monarch who valued genuine friendship and cherished moments of respite. As the royal family continues to navigate a new era, it's worth observing how future generations prioritize and cultivate their own personal relationships—and whether they, too, will find solace and strength in unexpected connections that transcend the confines of royal duty. Will we see more openness about these personal bonds, or will the traditions of privacy and formality continue to shape the public perception of the monarchy?
Queen Elizabeth was a true-blue equestrian her entire life, and nothing got her talking faster than a good chat about horses. The late Queen struck up an unexpected friendship with California cowboy Monty Roberts in 1989 when she invited him to the U.K. to teach his gentle horse training methods. Roberts, who died at the age of 91 last week, kept in touch with Queen Elizabeth throughout the rest of her life, sharing hundreds of phone calls with the monarch. They became so close that he was one of the few people she’d take a call from at any time, including during a political meeting.
In a 2023 interview with the New York Post, Roberts revealed one hilarious interaction he had with the late Queen and a member of her staff when he gave her a ring.
He recalled calling and saying, “‘It’s Monty Roberts. I’d like to speak to the Queen,’ before a staff member said, “‘One moment please – the Queen is stuck in a meeting with the political people of Northern Ireland.’”
Roberts said he’d call the following day, but then a familiar voice came on the line— and it seems his phone call was just the excuse Queen Elizabeth was looking for to escape.
“I said I’ll call back tomorrow afternoon and about that time I heard, ‘Monty how are you?’ I said, ‘Your Majesty, they told me you’re in a meeting—and she said, ‘I am in a meeting in Northern Ireland and was hoping for a way to get out of that meeting so now I’m in another room talking to you.’”
“That was as close as I ever came to missing a call from her in 33 years,” he shared.
“I helped her [Queen Elizabeth] learn how to read that personality that horses have and do the things that cause them to be friendly with you and not a flight animal,” Roberts told the Post. “You cannot fool a horse. She believed me and my God, I would take a bullet before I would deceive her in any way.”
Queen Elizabeth was the one who encouraged him to write a book and go on tour around the U.K. training horses, with Roberts sharing, “She said, ‘I want you to go to every country possible. I want the world to know what you’re doing.”
Another member of the Royal Family who was touched by the horse trainer's non-violent training methods was the Queen Mother.
“Queen Elizabeth’s mother came up to me with tears in her eyes,” Roberts said, recalling the first time he met the Royal Family at Windsor Castle and saddled some of their young horses. “She said that was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”
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