Chris Waller unable to attend Queen’s funeral due to Covid: Australian trainer Winks
Champion horse trainer Chris Waller was forced to turn down an invitation to fly to. queenFuneral with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after one of his family members was hit by the novel coronavirus.
Waller, 49, best known for training the record-breaking mare Winx, was a close friend of Her Majesty the Queen and called her frequently every Saturday to discuss the weekend’s races. rice field.
In a statement posted on social media on Thursday, Waller expressed his heartache at not being able to attend services at Westminster Abbey. London September 19 (Monday evening AEST).
“I am honored and very grateful to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the people of Australia for giving me the opportunity to say goodbye to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of my country.
Champion horse trainer Chris Waller was forced to decline an invitation to the Queen’s funeral after his family was hit by coronavirus
Waller, 49, who is best known for training the record-breaking mare Winx, was a close friend of Her Majesty the Queen (pictured) and called her on weekends to discuss the race.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his partner Jody Hayden (pictured) board a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft at Sydney Airport on Thursday.
Alcott was seen boarding a RAAF jet bound for London on Thursday night (pictured)
“Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 related circumstances, I will not be able to attend the funeral.”
Waller is understood to have voluntarily chosen not to board the jet with Albanese, whose members of parliament adamantly chose to wear face masks during parliamentary sessions. .
Queen Elizabeth II was passionate about thoroughbred racing and had one of her horses, Chalk Stream, at Mr Waller’s stables.
The Sydney-based trainer and Mrs. Stephanie presented Her Majesty with the shoes of The Winks’ final victory in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes as a souvenir at the Royal Ascot luncheon.
Queen Elizabeth II and her horse estimate in the winner’s enclosure after winning the Gold Cup on Day 3 of Royal Ascot 2013
Queen Elizabeth II is pictured riding a horse in 1961. This became her lifelong passion.
James McDonald talks to Chris Waller after riding the Nature Strip at Exhibition Gallop during Sydney Racing at Rosehill Gardens
Mr. Waller was “worried” when his usual weekly chat with the Queen didn’t go well, just days before Queen Elizabeth died at Balmoral Castle at the age of 96. daily telegraph report.
“Like so many others, I will live with Her Majesty the Queen and cherish the rest of my life. respect given to
“My deepest condolences to the royal family and to those around the world who are currently in mourning.
“What a wonderful life Her Majesty has lived. What an inspiration she has been and continues to be for many generations around the world.”
prime minister on thursday Anthony Albanese He was one of the first dignitaries to attend the funeral.
The Prime Minister will bring nine “everyday” people for an emotional service taking place next week.
Wheelchair tennis champion Dylan Olcott was included, and horse trainer Chris Waller was invited but was forced to decline Thursday after a close relative contracted the coronavirus.
The Queen is said to have known Waller well and kept in touch with him before his death last Thursday.
Other Australian guests include Senior Australia of the Year Valmai Dempsey and Dr. Miriam Rose Ungunmar Baumann, Local Hero Shana Wang, Saba Abraham, Kim Smith, Young Australia of the Year Trudy Lynn, Western Australia of the Year Helen Milroy and i4give. is. Founder Danny Abdalla.
Albanese also offered space on his flight to champion racing figures Guy and Robert Waterhouse, who had a personal relationship with the Queen.
The pair were invited to the funeral by Sir Andrew Parker. David Hayes, another Australian who trained for the Queen, attends the funeral after traveling from Hong Kong, where he is based.
But fellow horse trainer Guy Waterhouse and her husband Robbie (pictured) were invited by Sir Andrew Parker
Albanese said earlier this week, “These everyday Australians will be traveling with me and the Governor-General to join Acting High Commissioner Lynn Atwood, who is currently in the UK.
“We have collectively confirmed that all of these people are able to travel. They will be on the same flight as me leaving Sydney on Thursday.
Most countries can send leaders or appointed representatives and guests, but the Commonwealth Kingdoms, which retain a monarch as head of state, are granted additional representation rights.
Realms can have Prime Ministers and Guests, Governors and Guests, and High Commissioners.
You can also bring in 10 civilians.
Earlier Thursday, controversial soldier Ben Roberts-Smith flew from Brisbane to London on a commercial jet rather than accompanying Mr Albanese.
Roberts Smith, 43, Afghan veterans Mark Donaldson and Daniel Kieran, and Vietnam veteran Keith Payne were separately invited by the Victoria Cross and George Cross Society.
The Queen has been a patron of the Society since its inception in 1956, and before she died she requested that all living members be invited to her funeral.
In a statement posted on social media on Thursday, he expressed his heartache over not being able to attend the service at Westminster Abbey in London on September 19.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11215149/Chris-Waller-unable-attend-Queens-funeral-Covid-Australian-Horse-trainer-Winx.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 Chris Waller unable to attend Queen’s funeral due to Covid: Australian trainer Winks