John Miller (equerry)
Sir John Miller | |
---|---|
Born | |
Relations | Brigadier General Alfred Douglas Miller (father) |
Other work | Crown Equerry to Queen Elizabeth II (1961–87) |
Early life and education
Miller was born in
Miller grew up at the family estate of Shotover Park. He was educated at Eton College, followed by the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.[1][2]
Career
Military service
On 26 January 1939, Miller was
In March 1945, Miller was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for "re-establishing, again at great risk to himself, two companies of his regiment, scattered after a fierce enemy tank attack."[5] Also same month, he commanded the first British troops to enter Brussels when it was liberated in September.[1][2]
Followed the war, Miller served as aide-de-camp from 1945 to 1947 to Field Marshal
Equestrian and crown equerry
Horses formed an integral part of Miller's childhood at the family estate, Shotover House, where he rode with the South Oxfordshire Hunt.[1]
Miller was a contender to make the United Kingdom's equestrian
In April 1961, Queen Elizabeth appointed Miller as
His expertise with horses rivalled that of the Queen herself, to whom he became both an adviser on all things horses and a loyal friend. During his tenure, he helped foster the royal family's interests in equine sports, including Prince Philip's competition and coach driving; Prince Charles' polo; and Princess Anne's equestrian career. The princess royal's eventing career began with the horse Purple Star, a foal among seven born to Stella, Miller's favourite mare. Miller helped oversee the princess's progress when she began riding Doublet, her partner in winning the 1971 European Eventing Championships.[3]
In addition to his duties supervising the royal horses and motor transport from the Royal Mews, Miller worked to ensure that the Mews remained London's centre for equestrian life. The mews' indoor riding school was opened for disabled children and members of riding clubs, and equine societies and charities held meetings there.[3]
Over the years, Miller served as president of many equine-relation organisations, including the
He retired as crown equerry in August 1987, but remained an extra equerry to the Queen.[7]
Personal life
Miller was appointed a
Miller never married. He died in Oxfordshire in 2006.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Obituary: Lieutenant-Colonel Sir John Miller". The Times. 19 May 2006. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ a b c d e "Obituary: Lieutenant-Colonel Sir John Miller". The Daily Telegraph. 20 May 2006. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ a b c d Corby, Tom (21 May 2006). "Obituary: Lt Col Sir John Miller". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
- ^ "No. 36850". The London Gazette (Supplement). 21 December 1944. p. 5855.
- ^ "No. 36961". The London Gazette (Supplement). 1 March 1945. p. 1172.
- ^ "No. 42321". The London Gazette. 7 April 1961. p. 2545.
- ^ "No. 51019". The London Gazette. 4 August 1987. p. 9885.
- ^ "No. 44004". The London Gazette (Supplement). 3 June 1966. p. 6533.
- ^ "No. 46310". The London Gazette (Supplement). 7 June 1974. p. 6796.
- ^ "No. 50948". The London Gazette (Supplement). 12 June 1987. p. 3.