Queen Camilla, who celebrates her 78th birthday this Thursday, has expressed her warm admiration for rescue dogs during a recent visit to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. While meeting Dipsy, an endearing Jack Russell cross, she confessed that she “would have taken him” had he not already found a new home.
The Duchess of Cornwall made this heartfelt remark while officially opening a new garden designed especially for rescue dogs at the renowned South London charity. The garden was co-created by celebrated gardener and broadcaster Monty Don and features bricks engraved with the names of royal dogs, including Camilla’s own rescue dog, Moley, who joined the royal family on Boxing Day.
Moley’s arrival was previously shared on Instagram by the Royal Family, who humorously noted how Moley wished he could have reunited with some of his canine friends during the recent warm weather. Due to the heat, Camilla chose to leave Moley at home during the garden launch, attended by notable figures such as Sue Perkins, David Gandy, Amanda Holden, and Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
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Reflecting on her connection to the garden project, Camilla shared, “I feel like I’ve watched it grow up. I saw it at the planning stage, I saw it at Chelsea, and now here, where it’s going to be wonderful for all the dogs to roam around.”
Beyond the canine companions, Camilla also touched on the health and well-being of her husband, King Charles III. Earlier in the year, she spoke candidly about his recovery from cancer treatment and his relentless dedication to his royal duties. She said, “He loves his work, and it keeps him going. It’s wonderful to see him getting better and wanting to do more and more. That’s what drives him – helping others.”
A royal official echoed these sentiments, noting the King’s passion for engaging with people and his commitment to making a positive impact, both now and during his time as Prince of Wales.
As Camilla embraces the joy that rescue dogs bring to her life, she also continues to support the King’s tireless efforts, highlighting the compassion at the heart of the royal family.