HM Queen Elizabeth II — a true countrywoman

The shooting community pays tribute to Her Majesty The Queen, who died at Balmoral Castle last week after a lifetime of service

The shooting community is mourning the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II, who died at Balmoral Castle on 8 September after a lifetime devoted to the service of the nation and the Commonwealth.

Among her rich and varied range of interests was a deep passion for the British countryside, for shooting, fishing and gundogs.

HM The Queen was born on 21 April 1926, during the reign of her paternal grandfather, King George V. She was not initially expected to take the throne, as her uncle — who ruled briefly as Edward VIII — was widely expected to have an heir. He did not, and his abdication saw Princess Elizabeth become heir apparent. At the outbreak of World War II, plans were drawn up to evacuate her and her sister Princess Margaret to Canada; however, her mother refused to contemplate the idea, saying: “The children won’t go without me. I won’t leave without the King. And the King will never leave.” It was an example of service that was to stay with her throughout her life.

Her father, grandfather and husband were all keen Shots, and both as a Princess and as Queen, shooting was always part of her life. Her Majesty’s renowned love of dogs saw her picking-up on shoot days on the Royal estates at Sandringham and Balmoral. In 2000, controversy erupted after she was spotted despatching a pheasant by breaking its neck, and in 2004, she was again photographed despatching a bird with blows to its head. On both occasions, those with a practical knowledge of the countryside praised her swift and humane actions and the Palace defended her, saying she had acted “as would any other responsible country sports person”.

Her gundogs were among the most successful in the country, repeatedly winning field trial championships, and as recently as January this year, her dog FTCH Wolferton Drama took first place at the Cocker Championship.

News of The Queen’s passing was met with sorrow by all of the nation’s shooting organisations. A spokesman for BASC said:

“Her Majesty was a passionate supporter of the countryside and conservation. She loved her gundogs and enjoyed many days working them in the field throughout her life. Her dedication to this country set her apart from all others. She will be sorely missed.”

Gamekeepers from the Grampian Moorland Group, which includes Balmoral, also paid tribute. The keepers, many of whom worked alongside

Her Majesty on shoot days, closed their tribute with the words “God save the King”

— a sentiment endorsed by the entire shooting community.

Matt Cross