Profession pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Her Majesty had a lifelong passion for animals and was a firm supporter of the work of veterinary professionals.
The veterinary profession has paid tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II following her passing, aged 96, on Thursday.
Her Majesty had a lifelong passion for animals and is being remembered as a supporter of the work of veterinary professionals and educational institutions.
In a statement on its website, the RCVS said: “Like the whole of the UK, the President, Councils and staff of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons are devastated to learn of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, our loyal Patron and benefactor since 1952.
“Throughout her 70-year reign, the Queen, as a renowned animal-lover, was a steadfast supporter of both the College and the veterinary professions as a whole.
"She visited the former RCVS headquarters in 1994 for our 'Charter 150' celebrations, to mark the 150th anniversary of our original Royal Charter, and granted permission to use her name and likeness for the RCVS Queen’s Medal, the highest honour the RCVS can bestow upon a veterinary surgeon.
“We reflect upon her extraordinary legacy, service and contribution with both awe and sadness, and, along with all in the veterinary professions, our thoughts are with the Royal Family on this very difficult day.”
British Veterinary Association (BVA), BVA President Justine Shotton, said: “All of us at the British Veterinary Association are deeply saddened to learn of the death of our Patron Her Majesty The Queen.
“A dedicated public servant and a lifelong animal lover, as our Patron for more than seven decades she helped build the UK’s international reputation for high standards of animal welfare, supported the vital work of our veterinary professionals, and improved the lives of animals both here in the UK and across the world.
“We are eternally grateful for her service and our hearts and thoughts are with her family, her friends, and the nation.”
BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.
