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Posted: 31st July 2025

Tributes paid to former RCVS president Neal King
Neal King HonFRCVS, who has died at the age of 85.
Mr King has died at the age of 85.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has led tributes to its former president, Neal King HonFRCVS.

In a statement, shared on 30 July, the RCVS revealed that Mr King had died the previous week at the age of 85.

Neal King began his career as a veterinary surgeon in 1963, having graduated from Bristol University. He initially worked as a cattle and companion animal, before developing a small animal practice.

He went on to become a senior partner at a mixed practice near Bristol.

During his career, which spanned several decades, Mr King became a founding partner of one of the first veterinary hospitals in the UK. Golden Valley Veterinary Hospital, which he founded in 1967, opened as a veterinary hospital just one year after the RCVS introduced the title.

Mr King was first elected to the RCVS Council in 1988, where he held roles on most of the committees. From 1994-1995, he served a year as RCVS president.

During his presidency, he played an important in relocating RCVS headquarters from Belgrave Square to Belgravia House, Horseferry Road. He was also involved in developing the 1996 Guide to Professional Conduct and worked as chairman of the Deregulation Working Party.

In 2000, Mr King was awarded an honorary Fellowship, celebrating his special eminence in, and services rendered to, veterinary science.

Tim Parkin, president of the RCVS, said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Neal King, who made a huge contribution to the RCVS, and the profession as a whole, during the course of his veterinary career.

“Neal showed unwavering dedication and commitment to improving the standards of veterinary care, putting animal welfare at the heart of everything he did. During his tenure as President, he steered the College through complex issues, providing astute leadership and guidance, while always showing diplomacy and compassion.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.”

Image © RCVS



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