OTTAWA, Sunday, May 3, 2009— On Saturday, May 16th, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will present Police Service Horse (PSH) George to Her Majesty The Queen in honour of the 40th anniversary of the presentation of PSH Burmese at the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
“The RCMP is honoured to present Her Majesty with PSH George,” said RCMP Commissioner William J.S. Elliott. “We value our relationship with The Queen and the Royal Family, which is reflected in The Queen’s role as Honourary Commissioner of the RCMP, and His Royal Highness, the Earl of Wessex’s role as Honourary Deputy Commissioner. Our relationship has been strengthened over the years through a mutual appreciation for equitation.”
In 1969, the RCMP presented The Queen with PSH Burmese. The Queen rode PSH Burmese the same year during Her Majesty's Birthday Parade. Burmese was a favourite of The Queen's horses and was featured in Trooping the Colour for eighteen consecutive years.
PSH Burmese was followed by PSH Centenial (sic), presented to The Queen in 1973 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the RCMP; and PSH Saint James, in 1998, to mark the RCMP’s 125th anniversary. In 2002, The Queen presented the RCMP with PSH Golden Jubilee in honour of her Golden Jubilee year.
"Equitation is an important part of the RCMP's culture and heritage and is a passion of The Queen," explained Superintendent Greg Peters, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Heritage Branch (SP&HB) for the RCMP. "The presentation of PSH George is the perfect way to celebrate our relationship with the Royal Family as well as the historical ties between the United Kingdom, Canada and the RCMP."
Royal Tattoo Event Director Simon Brooks-Ward said: “We are extremely proud to host this very special presentation of PSH George at the Royal Tattoo. It will no doubt be a memorable moment for The Queen and the audience and a fitting way to celebrate 40 years since Burmese’s introduction to Her Majesty.”
A special presentation ceremony will be held on the grounds of Windsor Castle during the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo on May 16, 2009 at 22:00. Participants include the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister, Public Safety; the Commissioner of the RCMP, William J.S. Elliott; and Mr. James Wright, High Commissioner for Canada, United Kingdom. The RCMP Pipes and Drum Band will also participate in the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo. The twelve members of the band represent divisional bands from across the country.
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Royal Canadian Mounted Police: Superintendent Greg Peters
1 613 302 7101
Greg.J.Peters@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Media Relations
1 613 993 2999
Canadian High Commission: Shelley Thomas
0207 258 6557
07711 685 384
shelley.thomas@international.gc.ca
Windsor> Castle Royal Tattoo: Kelly Smith
01753 847900
07515 864250
kellys@hpower.co.uk
