Queen Camilla's 'sad farewell' to beloved rescue dog and 'much-loved companion' Beth

One of Queen Camilla's beloved dogs who brought her "such joy" has died.

Beth, a Jack Russell terrier, is understood to have been put down at the weekend.

It is believed Beth, who had been with Camilla since 2011, had an untreatable tumour.

In a social media post, Buckingham Palace said: "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."

Beth and another terrier, Bluebell, were adopted by Camilla from the Battersea Dogs And Cats Home, for whom she has been a long-time ambassador and patron.

Battersea said it was "very sad" to hear the news and their "thoughts" were with the royal household.

Chief executive Peter Laurie said: "We're very sad to hear that Beth, HM The Queen's rescue dog, has sadly passed away.

"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 into the historic dress.

Beth has been seen accompanying the Queen at a range of engagements - and helped unveil a plaque to mark the opening of new kennels at Battersea in 2020.

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At the event, the terrier grabbed a sausage which had been tied around a rope attached to the unveiling curtain.

As Beth snapped at the sausage to pull back the curtain, Camilla, who was Duchess Of Cornwall at the time, joked: "Anyone would think you've never been fed."

The Queen gave a home to Beth when she was a three-month-old unwanted puppy - Bluebell arrived a year later in 2012 after she was found wandering alone in a London park with a painful skin condition.

Beth's passing comes several days after the Queen returned to public duties following a chest infection.

(c) Sky News 2024: Queen Camilla's 'sad farewell' to beloved rescue dog and 'much-loved companion' Beth