The Duchess of Cornwall was left in hysterics today after her rescue Jack-Russell terrier helped her to open a new kennel at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Camilla, 73, who is patron of the charity, cuddled up with her dog Beth during the visit, with the little pooch leaping into her arms upon arrival.
The Duchess opted to wear a white face covering featuring a black paw print pattern for the visit, which she paired with a cosy emerald green coat.
Later, Camilla was left in stitches after Beth helped to unveil a plaque on the wall of the new The Duchess of Cornwall Kennels at the centre by pulling on a sausage attached to a bit of string.
The Duchess of Cornwall, 73, was left in hysterics today as she was accompanied by her rescue dog Beth during the visit to Battersea Cats and Dogs Home
Camilla was assisted by Beth as they unveiled a plaque on the wall of the new centre, with the help of a sausage to encourage Beth to pull on the string
The Jack-Russell, who Camilla adopted in 2011 from the centre in London, enthusiastically lead the way on the royal visit today
Re-homed by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home with the Duchess of Cornwall almost 10 years ago, Beth, and fellow pet Bluebell hit the jackpot, now enjoying the finest dog food known to man and the run of several palatial estates.
Today, however, only Beth returned for a visit to the world-famous rescue centre with their royal mistress.
The Duchess, accompanied by Beth met with the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Mr Michael More-Molyneux upon arrival at the home.
Dogs from the home were arranged in a ‘Guard of Honour’ line for the royal’s arrival.
The Duchess went on to hang a festive decoration on the tree of the Christmas tree at the centre
During her visit, the royal also gifted dogs in the home with presents which were signed from her own pets Beth and Bluebell
She carefully hung a dog ornament, featuring the words Buckingham Palace on its side, onto the stunning tree in the centre
Meanwhile she went on to be introduced to the Battersea Board, Claire Horton, and Kaye Mughal, Centre Manager, who offered the royal a tour of the new kennels at the centre.
During the walk-around, Camilla met with dogs and handlers in the kennels, puppy paddock and maternity unit.
Meanwhile she also gifted some of the dogs with a few festive treats ‘from’ her own rescue pooches, Beth and Bluebell.
Camilla, who took Beth around the centre on her lead during the visit, appeared to be led by the enthusiastic pooch, who could be seen tugging her mistress onwards.
Camilla couldn’t help laughing as her rescue terrier clung hungrily to a sausage attached to a blanket used to unveil a new plaque in the centre
The royal was assisted in the unveiling of the plaque at the new Duchess of Cornwall centre by her pet
The Duchess moved through to the Reception area where she met with supporters and donors of the centre.
She concluded the visit by taking Beth into her arms and assisting the terrier to unveil a plaque on the wall of the centre.
The Duchess was left giggling as her dog clung hungrily to the sausage attached to the string after the unveiling.
Meanwhile she went on to hang a decoration on the Christmas tree.
The royal is set to meet with staff at the home and will also speak to volunteers about their efforts amid the Covid-19 crisis
Upon arrival, the Duchess reached out to a volunteer who was holding a tiny pooch in their arms
Later the royal, who is patron of the organisation, reached out to stroke a tiny chihuahua being held by a volunteer
She last visited Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Old Windsor, February 2017 when she was announced as the charity’s Patron.
She previously opened the new Veterinary Hospital and Centre of Excellence at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home London in 2016.
The Duchess owns two rescue Jack Russell Terriers, Beth and Bluebell which were adopted from the charity.
Camilla acquired Beth, in September 2011 when she was three months old. The animal was handed in by her previous owner who claimed they couldn’t cope.
Camilla’s rescue dog Beth bounded into her arms as the Duchess arrived at the centre in south London earlier today
The Duchess of Cornwall, 73, cuddled up with her rescue dog Beth during the visit to Battersea Cats and Dogs Home today, with the little pooch leaping into her arms upon arrival
Like anyone else, Camilla had to pay a £105 rehoming fee and undergo a ‘home vetting’ procedure by the centre’s staff.
They also carried out thorough background checks of Highgrove, Charles’s Gloucestershire mansion, and Raymill, Camilla’s Wiltshire home, where her dogs will largely live, as well ‘socialising’ them with her two elderly Jack Russells, who have, sadly, since died.
The Duchess previously spoke of her close bond with her pooches, revealing in 2012: ‘Beth is the sweetest dog with the nicest temperament, she so laid-back…
‘I love Jack Russells, they are such intelligent dogs.’
The royal wrapped up in a cosy emerald green coat for the occasion, and opted for a white face covering featuring a playful black paw print pattern
The Duchess wrapped up in a cosy cream scarf and wore her blonde locks in a bouncy blow dry style
The Duchess last visited Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Old Windsor, February 2017 when she was announced as the charity’s Patron
The royal appeared overjoyed to be visiting the home, where she rescued her pets Beth and Bluebell, earlier today