The royal dog was reportedly euthanized after being diagnosed with an inoperable tumor, and the Queen is reportedly “heartbroken” by the loss.
Camilla’s Rescue Dogs
Beth, a Jack Russell terrier, was adopted by Camilla in 2011 from the UK animal rescue center Battersea Dogs And Cats Home, when she was just a three-month-old puppy. In an interview with BBC Radio 5, Camilla recalled that Beth had “been moved from pillar to post and dumped,” per Nine News.
“We thought it would be nice for her to have a friend,” she said. In 2012, Camilla adopted another dog, Bluebell, from the same shelter.
The royal dogs were well-known to the British public, as they often accompanied Camilla on royal engagements. One memorable appearance was in 2020, when Camilla helped celebrate the opening of new Battersea kennels. A sausage was tied around a rope cord, and Beth went after it, unveiling a new plaque:
The dogs were loyal companions to Camilla during a period of major life changes: in 2022, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, her husband King Charles III ascended to the throne and she became Queen Consort. Then this year, the royal family underwent a major personal crisis as the king was diagnosed with cancer.
It’s safe to say that the two precious rescue dogs were a major source of comfort and unconditional love through it all.
“The nice thing about dogs is you can sit them down, you could have a nice long conversation, you could be cross, you could be sad and they just sit looking at you, wagging their tail,” Camilla told BBC Radio.
“They are both colourful characters and now I cannot imagine my life, my home or my sofas without them,” Camilla told Country Life magazine in 2022.
Pictures of Beth and Bluebell were even embroidered onto Queen Camilla’s coronation gown, showing how important they were to her.
Rest in Peace, Beth: Camilla “Heartbroken”
Sadly, Beth was recently diagnosed with an untreatable tumor, and Camilla made the difficult decision to put the dog down this weekend. The Queen was reportedly “heartbroken” by her dog’s passing.
The news was confirmed by an official statement from Buckingham Palace. “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,” the statement read.
Peter Laurie, chief executive of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, also released a statement sharing his condolences. “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.”
