Elizabeth Taylor’s connection with horses was both professional and deeply personal, especially with her co-star in National Velvet, a thoroughbred named King Charles. The movie, released in 1944, became a pivotal moment in Taylor’s career and her life. She was just 12 years old when she portrayed Velvet Brown, a young girl who dreams of riding her horse, “The Pie,” in the Grand National Steeplechase. For Taylor, this role was much more than just acting—it reflected her own passion for horses, which she had developed from an early age.
(Photo by Keystone Features/Getty Images)During the filming of National Velvet, Taylor formed a strong bond with King Charles, the horse who played “The Pie.” King Charles, a beautiful chestnut Thoroughbred, had already caught Taylor’s attention before filming began, as she had ridden him at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. The bond between them was undeniable, and Taylor’s love for King Charles grew so strong that MGM, the studio behind the film, gifted her the horse for her 13th birthday. This gift was a dream come true for the young starlet, making the end of filming bittersweet but unforgettable
Their connection went beyond the screen. Taylor would often sneak in early to the studio to spend extra time riding King Charles, and she remained devoted to him throughout his life. Caring for King Charles brought Taylor a sense of responsibility and joy that lasted well beyond the movie’s production. She often remarked on how much she cherished her time with him, stating that “there never was a sweeter, more noble animal.” Her relationship with King Charles provided not just companionship but also a sense of grounding amidst her rising fame
The experience of riding King Charles, both on and off the set, gave Taylor a deep sense of fulfillment. She once shared that the role of Velvet Brown felt like her true self because of her love for horses. This profound connection between actress and animal turned a scripted relationship into a real-life friendship that Taylor would carry in her heart forever
In many ways, Taylor’s bond with King Charles reflected the themes of National Velvet—the power of determination, love for animals, and the ability to achieve the extraordinary. It remains a testament to the magic that can happen when life imitates art, and when the love between a girl and her horse becomes something eternal.