The Queen has been left heartbroken after the death of her beloved dog and “much-loved companion” Beth.
The terrier was adopted by Camilla from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, along with her other dog Bluebell.
Buckingham Palace posted on social media alongside a montage of images of the Queen’s pet: “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.”
It is understood Beth had an untreatable tumour and had to be put down at the weekend.
Peter Laurie, chief executive of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, reminisced on the “fond memories” of Beth visiting the home.
“We’re very sad to hear that Beth, HM The Queen’s rescue dog, has sadly passed away,” he said.
“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 know how difficult it is to lose a beloved pet and Beth was very special indeed.”
Beth, along with Bluebell, was so loved by Camilla that she even featured on the Queen’s coronation gown, with goldwork motifs of the two dogs embroidered onto the historic dress which Camilla wore to be crowned.
Beth made a number of appearances at royal engagements at Camilla’s side over the years.
Camilla took Beth along to compete in a loyalty duel with the late TV presenter and dog-lover Paul O’Grady and his dog Sausage at Battersea’s Brands Hatch centre in Kent in 2022 for the filming of the hit show For The Love Of Dogs.
The royal pet managed to ignore toys and treats to run back to her owner to win the trial.
And in 2020, Beth helped Camilla unveil a plaque as they opened new kennels for the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
A sausage was tied around a rope attached to a curtain covering the sign commemorating Camilla’s visit, with the then-duchess laughing as Beth grabbed the treat to pull the drape away.
Camilla is patron of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and O’Grady, who died last year, was a long-time ambassador for the animal welfare charity.
The Queen gave a home to Beth in 2011 when she was a three-month-old unwanted puppy, and Bluebell in 2012 after she was found wandering alone in a London park with a painful skin condition.
Diane James, head of pet loss support at Blue Cross, said: “We’re so sorry to hear the sad news about Beth.
“The loss of a beloved pet is difficult at any time of year, but it can be especially felt as Christmas nears. Here at Blue Cross our Pet Loss Support service provides support every day of the year to owners going through any loss of a pet.
“Our dedicated team is available every day from 8.30am to 8.30pm, including Christmas Day, to provide free and confidential support on 0800 096 6606 or pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk”
