Wellington, FL - In October, Brooke USA ambassador Margaret Duprey received a once-in-a-lifetime invitation from HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, to travel to the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, for a tea and reception honoring Brooke donors. Under the impression that the highlight would be meeting the Duchess and horse-whisperer Monty Roberts, Duprey was in for a shock as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II stole the show with a surprise appearance. 

 

After touring the carriages at the Royal Mews, Duprey, among only 25 other VIP guests, was seated in the ornate Riding Hall for an exclusive Monty Roberts exhibition. Just before he began, the Queen herself strolled in and took a seat in the front row. 

 

The guests rose as the Queen entered the room, stifling their surprise with the display of respect. 

 

"It was really admirable to see Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II taking an interest and attending the Brooke event. Her appearance and her time spent with the guests and Monty Roberts was not only a wonderful surprise, but extremely meaningful to such an inspirational organization," Duprey said.

 

Shortly after, Roberts revealed that he wrote a book on his horsemanship techniques at Her Majesty's urging. The book was recently published, and guests were gifted a copy after the demonstration. Roberts and Her Majesty chatted for a few minutes after the exhibition, and at the conclusion, the guests rose again, and the Queen was on her way, leaving every attendee feeling inspired and appreciative of her interest in the Brooke. 

 

During the tea that followed, the Duchess made her rounds, chatting with all of the guests in attendance. Duprey took the opportunity to thank the Duchess for extending the invitation and explained her role as an ambassador for the Brooke USA.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall with Brooke USA Ambassador Margaret Duprey.   © Simon Palmer 2015

 

"The Duchess was very thankful for what the Brooke does," Duprey said. "It was a wonderful experience to see the enthusiasm she has about the organization. I came away from the event feeling really honored to be an ambassador, and hopefully I can help this organization make a difference."

 

Duprey was the first Brooke USA Ambassador, and has been working alongside the organization since February 2015. 

 

Duprey stated, "Brooke USA stands out above the rest as an international equine welfare organization.  Education is the pillar to change, and it is something I believe in very strongly."

 

The Brooke works through direct veterinary intervention and by educating owners and service providers to improve their animal husbandry skills.  With a long and highly successful track record of effective programs, the Brooke introduces long-term, sustainable solutions that even the poorest owners can utilize to benefit their animals and themselves.

 

For Duprey, the old adage, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" rings true. She believes that Brooke USA is taking animal welfare to a new level, helping owners and laborers to take better care of their animals.

 

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