Queen Camilla has been left heartbroken following the death of her beloved Jack Russell, Beth.
The sad news was shared on the Royal Family’s official Instagram account, revealing that Beth had an untreatable tumour and was put down over the weekend.
The post included a lovely photo of a relaxed Camilla walking in the countryside with Beth leading the way, her lead attached to the Queen’s coat.
The caption 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.”
Other photos showed 13-year-old Beth being cuddled by the late TV presenter Paul O’Grady, posing with Camilla’s other Jack Russell, Bluebell, and even giving King Charles a kiss on the nose.
One touching image showed Beth assisting the Queen during a plaque unveiling on a previous royal visit. Royal fans were quick to offer their condolences to Camilla in the comments section, with one writing: “Such sad news. We know how much Queen Camilla loved Beth. Another said: ” Another added: “So sorry for your loss Your Majesty,” while another said: “Rest in peace Beth. Sending love to Her Majesty and the King.”
Camilla has a heartwarming tale of canine companionship with her two Jack Russells, Beth and Bluebell. Adopted from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home in 2011, Beth was just a puppy when she was rescued after being abandoned and tied to a lamppost, reports the Mirror.
The Queen Consort shared on Radio 5 Live: “Along I went to Battersea, and Beth appeared, and she had just been moved from pillar to post and dumped.”
A year later, Camilla welcomed Bluebell into the family, another Jack Russell who had a rough start in life, found in a dire state in the woods. Camilla recounted: “We thought it would be nice for her [Beth] to have a friend. They found [Bluebell] two or three weeks later, wandering about in woods, no hair on her, covered in sores, virtually dead. And they nursed her back to life and her hair grew again.”
Both dogs made history by becoming the first rescue dogs to reside at Buckingham Palace. In 2020, they featured in a charming photo celebrating Charles and Camilla’s 15th wedding anniversary, snuggled up with their owners at Birkhall in Balmoral.
That same year, Beth participated in an endearing event during Camilla’s inaugural visit to the Battersea Dogs and Cats rescue centre’s Windsor branch. In a delightful moment, Camilla lifted Beth towards a curtain hiding a commemorative plaque, where a sausage was cleverly attached to the rope.
As Beth tugged at the sausage, Camilla exclaimed “brilliant” while the curtain dropped to unveil the plaque.
During King Charles’ Coronation, while the dogs did not attend the ceremony itself, Camilla honoured her furry friends by incorporating a canine motif into her attire. Her Bruce Oldfield gown for the Coronation was subtly adorned with a dog design, as a nod to her two cherished pets.
Battersea’s chief executive Peter Laurie commented: “We’re very sad to hear that Beth, HM The Queen’s rescue dog, has sadly 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, we know how difficult it is to lose a beloved pet and Beth was very special indeed.”
Dog adoration is a well-known trait among the royals. Recently, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ black English Cocker Spaniel, Orla, featured in a poignant family video while Kate announced the completion of her chemotherapy for cancer.
Harry and Meghan’s trio of dogs—Guy and Mamma Mia the beagles, and Pula the labrador—are just as much a part of their family. As devotees will recall, Queen Elizabeth II had a long-standing affinity for corgis, her last two, Sandy and Muick, are now under the care of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson at Royal Lodge, where they join five Norfolk Terriers.
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