Queen Camilla opens new Battersea dog garden
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Her Majesty the Queen met with staff and volunteers at Battersea's new dog garden.
Her Majesty The Queen paid a special visit to Battersea on Monday (14 July) to open the charity’s new dog garden.
In her first visit to Battersea since 2016, Her Majesty was greeted by a guard of honour featuring dogs Bertie, Phoenix, Bella and Dipsy, as well as staff, volunteers and supporters of the charity.
During her visit, Queen Camilla toured the garden with Battersea’s chief executive Peter Laurie and lead horticulturalist Dawn Richards, who explained that it would be a space for dogs to play, train and exercise.
Designed by Monty Don and Jamie Butterworth, the garden had originally been created for the Chelsea Flower Show, before being kindly donated to Battersea by the Royal Horticultural Society and BBC Radio 2.
Her Majesty spoke with Monty Don, Battersea gardening volunteers and others involved with the development of the garden before unveiling a commemorative plaque.
Battersea’s Chief Executive, Peter Laurie, said; “It was an absolute honour to welcome our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, to Battersea and introduce her to our dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters. During the visit, Her Majesty officially opened our new dog garden – a sensory space that the dogs in our care will benefit from tremendously. With so many animals arriving at our centres each year, it is vital that we create calm and enriching environments where they can exercise, train and relax.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a Patron that has been a longstanding supporter of Battersea and who understands the importance of the work that rescues do. Today was a wonderful opportunity to talk with Her Majesty about the work we are doing at our centres and further afield, as well as share our ambitions for the future to help millions of dogs and cats worldwide.”
Image (C) Battersea.