Queen Camilla never shied away from declaring her love for Beth, the royal pet who has just died

Queen Camilla has lost her beloved pet dog, Beth. The Jack Russell terrier passed away at the weekend after becoming ill. There was little doubt about the deep bond between The Queen and her rescue pet who accompanied Her Majesty on several official engagements. And such was her affection for Beth, and her rescue companion Bluebell, that Queen Camilla even broadcast her affection for them to the world.

In 2020, during an interview on The Emma Barnett Show, the special place that Beth and Bluebell held in their royal owner’s heart was revealed. Queen Camilla said ”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!”

The Queen rehomed Beth and another Jack Russell Terrier named Bluebell from Battersea Dogs & Cats in August 2011 and September 2012, respectively. Camilla has paid several visits to the animal charity over the years and became Battersea’s Royal Patron in January 2020.

The two dogs also got a star role when Queen Camilla became guest editor of one of the best known magazines in the UK to mark her 75th birthday. As she took the helm of Country Life magazine, Queen Camilla put a very different spin on one of its most famous features. The frontspiece of the magazine was always known as the ”girls in pearls” page. Her Majesty gave the star role to Beth and Bluebell who appeared, each wearing a strand of pearls.

Beth also accompanied Queen Camilla on a number of public engagements and was often seen with Their Majesties when they were out walking.