Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has announced that HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is going to be their new Royal Patron. The announcement was made on the day the Duchess made her first visit to the Home’s Old Windsor centre in Berkshire.
During a tour of the rescue and rehoming centre, the Duchess met Vet nurses, receptionists, kennel and cattery staff as well some of the Battersea residents who are looking for forever homes.
Battersea’s Chief Executive Claire Horton said:
“Battersea has long considered The Duchess of Cornwall to be a very close and dear friend and a huge supporter of our work, so it’s absolutely wonderful to now welcome Her Royal Highness as our new Royal Patron.
“Having rehomed two Battersea dogs, Beth and Bluebell, and visited us on numerous occasions, we feel The Duchess is already part of our special Battersea family and we look forward with such enthusiasm to an even closer connection in the years to come.”
The Duchess first visited a Battersea site in October 2010, opening their South London centre during its 150th anniversary year to open its state-of-the-art Cattery. The following year, the Duchess rehomed Jack Russell Terrier Beth, and in 2012 Bluebell another JRT. That same year the Duchess brought Beth and Bluebell with her when she accompanied Battersea Ambassador Paul O’Grady to meet some of the dogs in the charity’s care. Most recently the Duchess visited Battersea’s London centre in September last year, to open the charity’s new Veterinary Hospital and Centre of Excellence.
On today’s visit, Willow, a very poorly Cocker Spaniel met the Duchess. Willow was found tied to a tree, extremely underweight, with weeping, infected sores on her skin, in a filthy condition, and after being taken to Battersea she was nursed back to health. Also meeting the VIP visitor today was Brody, a Labrador who is five years old, and suffers from arthritis of the spine. He needs new owners who will provide him with the ongoing medical care his condition requires. Lune, a 9 month old kitten, also met the Duchess. She was brought to the centre when her owner could no longer afford to look after her.
Battersea Ambassadors David Gandy, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, and Amanda Holden, also attended today to welcome the Duchess of Cornwall on board. Battersea dogs and their handlers also assembled to form the world-famous Battersea “Guard of Honour” to greet her, and later to wave her goodbye at the end of the day.
Claire Horton adds: “We were so thrilled to welcome our new Royal Patron to Battersea Old Windsor for the very first time. Today’s visit was a great opportunity to show Her Royal Highness behind the scenes of our Berkshire centre and explain the many benefits such a rural setting offers our animals. It’s a peaceful, country haven, particularly for those dogs who long to romp around in grassy fields. We know The Duchess really enjoyed her visit and she will be a tireless supporter of our vital work, for which we are truly grateful.”