This Morning chef Clodagh McKenna reveals family link to the Queen in touching tribute

This Morning chef Clodagh McKenna shared a sweet message in tribute to the Queen with a picture of the monarch alongside her late father-in-law Henry Herbert.

Queen Elizabeth II passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday, 8 September 2022, aged 96.

The Irish Cookbook author and presenter, 47, posted a black and white image of the pair to her Instagram page and announced that she was taking a break from social media out of respect.

Clodagh wrote: “Hi everyone, I’m taking a wee break from social media in respect of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

“Pictured here with my late father-in-law Lord Porchester. I’ll be back soon. Sending love to you all, Clo xxx.”

TV personality Tommy Smythe commented: “There is such a lovely look of fun and friendship on the faces of The Queen and Harry’s father in this picture. I thought of H right away when the news broke, and of the afternoon we spent with his Mum hearing wonderful stories. I’ll send you a message (off here) ~ Much love, x.”

Henry Herbert, 7th Earl of Carnarvon, also known as Lord Porchester, was a personal friend of Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth II.

Carnarvon met the Queen during their teenage years, and they shared a great love of the countryside, wildlife, and horses.

He was appointed the Queen’s racing manager in 1969, a position he held until his death in 2001.

Clodagh McKenna is married to Carnarvon’s son and Queen Elizabeth II’s godson Harry Herbert.

Harry is the CEO of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing and The Royal Ascot Racing Club.

The pair got engaged at the end of 2020 and married on 14 August 2021 at Highclere Castle.

The news comes as this morning’s co-presenter Holly Willoughby paid tribute to the Queen following her death.

Holly said on her Instagram post: “Time to reflect and pay our respects…the children wrote the most beautiful words.”

Willoughby, 41, and her three children placed some flowers outside the monarch’s Buckingham Palace home in London.

Holly informed the public and co-hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary of her children’s tributes by reading the card that Harry had written.

In the card, Harry said: “Dear The Queen, what a journey it has been from a regular young Queen who only met one Prime Minister to a national treasure who has met 15 and is the greatest Queen England has ever seen.

“You have done so well without Philip, I can’t imagine what it must have been like for you - I am glad you get to see him again.”

The 13-year-old continued: “You have made the impossible possible by what you have achieved, whenever you smiled, you would make me smile. This is one of the greatest qualities a human can have.”