The Duchess of Cornwall's Jack Russell Beth helped her open the new facility on Wednesday.

Royal Patron meets staff at Berkshire centre

Battersea’s Royal Patron, the Duchess of Cornwall, visited the charity's Old Windsor Centre in Berkshire on Wednesday 9 December, to open a new facility designed to help Battersea care for dogs and puppies that have been relinquished by their owners.

This was the second visit Her Royal Highness has made to the Old Windsor Centre since being announced as Royal Patron in 2017. She met with Battersea staff that have been working hard to care for homeless pets across the pandemic.

Her Royal Highness also enjoyed a Battersea Guard of Honour from charity volunteers who have been fostering animals during lockdown.

The Duchess of Cornwall Kennels – which were officially opened by Her Royal Highness during her visit – include a dedicated maternity area, quiet zones and both indoor and outdoor puppy paddocks.

The facility has been specifically designed to help provide the very best care for pets given up by their owners. It will help thousands of puppies just like Ernie – a nine-week-old pug that was rejected by his mother and surrendered to Battersea as a result.

The Duchess of Cornwall met Ernie during her visit and heard his story as well as the happy resolution that he and his brother have now found forever homes.

Claire Horton, chief executive at Battersea said: “We are always thrilled to welcome our wonderful Royal Patron The Duchess of Cornwall to our centres to see first-hand the vital work we are carrying out to help dogs and cats that need our help.

“Today’s visit was also an occasion to officially open our brand-new kennel facilities that will offer some of our most vulnerable dogs the space, comfort, and level of care they desperately need.”

Images (c) Battersea.