Buckingham Palace announces death of Queen's 'much-loved companion' with touching tribute

Buckingham Palace has announced the death of Queen Camilla's "much-loved companion", her dog Beth.

The Jack Russell terrier was a rescue dog adopted by Camilla from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Buckingham Palace announced the sad news on social media, sharing a collection of images of the Queen's pet.

Alongside the photos, the Palace wrote: "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."

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It is understood that 13-year-old Beth had an untreatable tumour and was put down over the weekend. Beth, along with Camilla's other rescue dog Bluebell, held a special place in the Queen's heart, so much so that motifs of the two dogs were embroidered onto her coronation gown.

Beth was adopted by The Queen in 2011 when she was just a three-month-old unwanted puppy, and Bluebell joined the family a year later. Both dogs had made public appearances over the years, including in the portrait for Charles and Camilla's 15th wedding anniversary in 2020.

Over the years, Beth made several appearances at Royal engagements alongside Camilla. In 2022, Beth accompanied Camilla to compete in a loyalty duel against the late TV presenter and dog-lover Paul O’Grady and his dog Sausage at Battersea’s Brands Hatch centre in Kent for the filming of the popular show For The Love Of Dogs. The Royal pet managed to ignore toys and treats to run back to her owner, winning the trial.

In 2020, Beth assisted Camilla in unveiling a plaque as they opened new kennels for the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. The rescue centre expressed its condolences following Beth's death.

In a touching tribute, the charity said: "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. We’d like to thank their Majesties for giving Beth such a wonderful life and for supporting rescue."

The Windsors have always been known for their love of dogs. The late Queen Elizabeth II owned over 30 corgis, many of them direct descendants of her first one, Susan, who was so loved she accompanied the then Princess Elizabeth on her honeymoon.