Matt Baker has recounted a memorable moment with the late Queen Elizabeth, revealing how her curiosity was piqued by an aspect of his personal life involving his Blue Peter dog.
The 48-year-old former Countryfile host opened up about his interactions with the Royal Family, highlighting their shared love for animals. He described a conversation with the Queen that centred around one of his most treasured companions.
Discussing his latest project, Matt Baker’s Petcast-which invites well-known guests to his caravan to talk about their pets and the important role they play in their lives-he reflected on a past occasion when Meg, the Blue Peter dog, accompanied him during a Royal visit.
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He explained: “There’s such a passion within the Royal Family for animals and dogs in particular. When the late Majesty visited the Blue Peter studio and I had Meg with me, she immediately focused on the Blue Peter pets and was eager to learn about their lives beyond television.”
Matt recalled, “The Queen was fascinated to hear that Meg was mine personally, that she came home with me each day and didn’t go to a handler or elsewhere.”
He also shared memories of chatting with King Charles about their mutual interests in farming and animals. “When you have a shared passion like that, it’s like speaking a different language,” Matt observed. “You connect on a deep level when you talk about animals.”
Joining Matt in the conversation was presenter Clare Balding, who reflected on the way animals reveal people’s true nature. “Dogs and horses mirror both your best and worst qualities,” she said. “They don’t recognise social status, be it King or Queen, but respond with an honesty that people sometimes cannot.”
Clare added, “If you’re patient, kind, and respectful, animals will want to be around you.” Matt agreed, noting animals give immediate feedback based on how they are treated.
Matt’s podcast has welcomed guests including Clare Balding, Bill Bailey, and David and Frankie Seaman. He has previously spoken about how discussing pets reveals a different, more personal side to people.
The Petcast comes after a difficult time for Matt, who recently lost his beloved border collie, Bob. In May, he announced the heartbreaking news, saying: “It’s with a very heavy heart that I’m letting you know our wonderful Bob is no longer with us.”
Matt remembered Bob as “a brilliant dog” who had been a steadfast companion through many important moments, such as raising his children and managing changes on the family farm.