The Duchess of Cornwall visits Battersea Old Windsor

The Duchess of Cornwall visited the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Old Windsor centre today to open the new Duchess of Cornwall kennels.

Her Royal Highness is Patron of the charity and took her rescue Jack Russell Terrier Beth along for the visit, who helped unveil a plaque commemorating the new kennels!

The facilities are focused on reducing stress and infections for mothers and puppies and feature four heated blocks, each with a chill-out room where staff and volunteers can spend time with the dogs, dedicated puppy kennels and a separate maternity area. 

Innovative elements include sensory plants and the use of different types of music to help the dogs stay relaxed.

 This year Battersea are celebrating their 160th anniversary of taking in and rehoming animals in need.

The Duchess said during the visit: 

Thank-you very much for asking me to come and open these kennels today. I’m extremely touched that they have been called after me.

So every time I come here I’ll be able to look at my very own kennels, hence the Duchess of Cornwall Kennels. I would also like to thank everybody, everybody here, because I know how tough Covid has been for all of you.

After meeting some of the canine residents during a tour of the facilities, The Duchess handed over festive gifts from her pets from the Buckingham Palace Royal Collection shop, including dog toys, a collar, a bandana and a corgi Christmas decoration.