“Gentle Giant” horse Apollo takes part in the Queen’s funeral procession

A horse known as the “gentle giant” is set to take part in the Queen’s funeral procession.

Apollo the Drum Horse is ridden by Lance Corporal Chris Diggle of the Band of the Household Cavalry.

The nine-year-old horse stands over 17 hands (1.73 meters) tall and weighs almost 800 kilograms.

He is described as a “tall friendly giant” who “loves attention”.

Lance Corporal Diggle from Yorkshire will ride Apollo with reins attached to his feet while his hands will hold solid silver drums.

“He’s a big boy, gentle giant that he is but he has his quirks – he can be naughty like most horses but he’s generally lovable,” Lance Corporal Diggle told the PA news agency.

“He’s really gentle, he’s the calmest horse and that’s why he’s here today because he’s so well behaved.

“Apollo and I will be right in front of the carriage and we’ll be right behind the Premier League teams Blues and Royals.

“We follow the blues and royals and make sure the pace is consistent for the carriage.”

He added: “We won’t be banging the drum today, the sombre occasion… will mean no music for us.

“We’re going to have the drums and we’re going to go out with absolutely everything, but we’re not going to play today.

“The reins are attached through my stirrups, which is where I have my legs and because I usually have sticks in my hand (to beat the drum).

“I have to control the horse with my legs and steer it.”

Drumhorses of household cavalry carry the rank of major and as such are superior to all other ranked animals in the army.

Apollo joined the Household Cavalry in 2020.

He is performed two years after his call-up – it normally takes three years for horses to be trained for the role.

Lance Corporal Diggle said: “Some take longer than others and handle it really well.

“Because of all the gear they’re carrying and the drums, some come through quicker and some are just a lot slower for them.”

Drum horses belong to the sovereign and permission must be obtained from the monarch to have their tails and mane clipped.

The Queen was invited to name Apollo after that year’s Trooping of the Color, although she postponed the offer to the Silver Stick in Waiting, Colonel Mark Berry.