Sir Michael Oswald, Who Was Queen Elizabeth's Close Friend & Racing Advisor Dies Aged 86

In the wake of losing her husband, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II also has to face the death of her companion Sir Michael Oswald.

Sir Michael Oswald passed away at the age of 86. He was known for his service to the royal family for more than five decades, acting on behalf of the Windsors' horse racing interests.

The race advisor formed part of the monarch's horse racing team since 1970 when he stepped into the role of manager of the Royal Studs for the Queen Mother. He remained in that position for 28 years.

LEFT BEHIND

Oswald and his wife, Lady Angela, both share a special relationship with 94-year-old Queen Elizabeth. Oswald connected with the monarch over horses on the track while Lady Angela was a lady-in-waiting to the Queen.

In the wake of Oswald's death, Lady Angela reflected on her husband's vocation that kept him occupied for most of his life. The racing advisor's widow shared:

"For all his working life he was simply doing what he would have done had he been a rich man who didn't have to work."

MANY TRIBUTES

Oswald dedicated a large portion of his life to improving the royal family's horse enterprises. After leaving his role as a racing advisor in 2002, he became the Queen's jumps adviser. He served both Queen Elizabeth and her mother.

Following the 86-year-old racing expert's death, his knowledge of horses and life of service was highlighted in the plethora of tributes that rolled in. Leo Mottershead shared the following:

"Sir Michael Oswald was clearly a very lovely man. He died yesterday and is remembered here with great fondness and some super stories."

ANOTHER BLOW

Oswald's death was announced on Saturday, the same day that Prince Philip was laid to rest. The sad news comes as another knock to 94-year-old Queen Elizabeth as Oswald was known as one of her most trusted advisors.

Zara Tindall continued the family tradition of horse riding and went on to compete in the London Olympics.

Oswald was pictured alongside various royal family members on numerous occasions showcasing the close relationship he shared with the monarchy. Having served two generations of royals, he had cemented his place as advisor and friend.

ROYAL PASSION

The equestrian advisor plays a pivotal role in the workings of the royal family as horses are one of the Windsor family's greatest loves. The monarch was already riding at the age of three, and Prince Philip was known as an avid polo player.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's only daughter, Princess Anne, made history when she was the first royal to become an Olympic athlete. She competed in the 1976 Games in Montreal, riding on the Queen's horse Goodwill.

Princess Anne's daughter, Zara Tindall, continued the family tradition of horse riding and competed in the London Olympics in 2012, representing Team Great Britain.

This continues to be a difficult time for Queen Elizabeth as she now faces the loss of her husband of 73 years and the death of one of her closest friends. She will remain in mourning in the days to come.