Queen Camilla has been a lifelong advocate for animal welfare. She is especially known for her deep love for dogs and horses - something that made her take over a key role from the late Elizabeth II.
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Over the years, she has adopted and cared for several rescue animals. The 77-year-old finds joy in giving them a second chance at life. Her two cherished Jack Russell Terriers, Beth and Bluebell, have been prominent members of Buckingham Palace since she adopted them from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, a charity.
Paul O'Grady was also a passionate supporter of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. He showcased their work through his beloved TV show For the Love of Dogs and became a beloved ambassador for animal welfare.
Queen Camilla mourns the death of her ‘much-loved companion’ Beth
In 2011, Camilla gave a home to an abandoned Beth who was three months old at that time, reports The Independent. A year later, she adopted Bluebell, who was found wandering alone in a London park with a painful skin condition. Camilla shared a deep bond with the two pets, and they were even honoured with embroidered motifs on Camilla’s coronation gown. Beth made headlines in 2020 by helping unveil a plaque at the Duchess of Cornwall Kennels by pulling on a hidden sausage tied to the curtain.
Both Beth and Bluebell were featured on the cover of July 2022’s Country Life’s issue, reports Hello Magazine.
Unfortunately, Beth recently passed away after being diagnosed with an untreatable tumour. Buckingham Palace announced the heartbreaking news this week after Beth was put down over the weekend. Calling Beth a ‘much-loved companion’ the tribute read:
A sad farewell to Beth, the Queen’s much-loved companion from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home who brought such joy, whether on walkies, helping on official duties or curled up by the fire.
Peter Laurie, chief executive of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home also reminisced on the fond memories of Beth visiting the home. He said:
We’re very sad to hear that Beth, HM The Queen’s rescue dog, has sadly passed away…we have many fond memories of Beth visiting our centres over the years.
Our thoughts are with Their Majesties at this time, we know how difficult it is to lose a beloved pet and Beth was very special indeed.
Queen Camilla as a patron of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
According to The Express, the UK's animal-lover queen has been supporting the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home since 2017. She actively makes efforts to rescue and re-home abandoned animals with the charity. In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Camilla recounted the story of how she met her own rescue dogs. She said:
Along I went to Battersea, and Beth appeared, and she had just been moved from pillar to post and dumped.
We thought it would be nice for her to have a friend. They found [Bluebell] two or three weeks later, wandering about in the woods, no hair on her, covered in sores, virtually dead.
The historic charity was founded in 1860 and has a special connection to the Royal Family. In 1885, Queen Victoria served as its first royal patron. Camilla’s involvement has continued this tradition and brought attention to the charity’s vital work.
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Sources used:
The Independent: Queen Camilla left ‘heartbroken’ after her beloved Jack Russell is put down
Hello Magazine: Meet Beth and Bluebell: the new dogs of Buckingham Palace
The Express: Queen Camilla's adorable rescue dogs were 'virtually dead' before she saved them
