DONALD Trump wanted to give the Queen a racehorse as a gift to mark his State visit this week.
The US President instructed aides to scour Kentucky stud farms to find a thoroughbred.
He is a huge admirer of Her Majesty and is well aware of her passion for horses.
The idea was instigated by the Governor of Mississippi Phil Bryant, who is chairman of the US Royal Commonwealth Society.
But the plan was dropped after senior aides warned it would be seen as “too flashy” and “a bit over the top”.
It was also felt it would create huge problems transporting it to London – and arranging a photo opportunity with Her Maj.
Former diplomat and businessman Andy Wigmore, who has met President Trump, was asked to act as a go-between.
He said: “I was invited to ask my contacts at the palace about the idea.
“It was all kept secret at the time and we were told not to tell a soul.
“All the Queen’s horses are direct line from Kentucky stud farms so it would have been a wonderful present.
“The President is acutely aware that horses are the Queen’s passion.
“When I first met him, he spoke mostly about how excited he was to be meeting the Queen, as was his entire family.
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“His mother was a passionate Royal supporter and said she would be so proud that he would get to meet her.
“The idea of a horse took off simply because he wanted to show how much he admires and respects her.”
Choosing the right gift for state visits is a political minefield for presidents.
Barack Obama gave the Queen a collection of rare memorabilia and photographs in a handmade leather-bound album telling the story of the visit of her parents – King George VI and Queen Elizabeth – to the USA in 1939.
What President Trump has decided to bring instead of a horse is a secret being closely guarded by The White House.
The Queen has earned a staggering £7.7million in winnings from her horses over the past 30 years.
She has won 534 races from 3,205 runs over her career as a racehorse owner.
Her most profitable year was 2016 when she scooped £560,000.
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