Queen Camilla has been left heartbroken after her ‘much-loved companion’, Beth the rescue dog, died.
The Jack Russell terrier was adopted by the queen from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London in 2011.
Before becoming royalty, Beth was handed into the animal rescue service aged just three months by a family unable to care for her.
Beth had long been at Camilla’s side – literally. When she was crowned, Beth and her other dog Bluebell were featured on her coronation gown.
But the pet was put down over the weekend as she had an untreatable tumour.
‘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,’ Buckingham Palace said on X.
The palace shared video of Beth helping the queen unveil a blue plaque as they opened new kennels for the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2020.
Well, the dog helped in her own special way. A sausage was tied to a rope attached to a curtain covering the sign commemorating Camilla’s visit, with Beth tugging on it as the then-duchess laughed.
Camilla has been a patron of the animal welfare charity since 2011.
The following year, the monarch gave a home to Bluebell, a Jack Russell terrier dumped in a London park, starving and suffering from a skin condition that had left her almost bald.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home added: ‘We’re sad to hear that Beth, HM The Queen’s rescue dog, has passed away.
‘Her Majesty, our Patron, rehomed Beth from Battersea in 2011 and we have many fond memories of Beth visiting our centres over the years.
‘Our thoughts are with Their Majesties at this time.’
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