LONDON (AP) — In a royal gesture aimed at raising awareness and appreciation, King Charles III has bestowed a royal title on the rare Golden Guernsey goat breed. The breed, which is closely associated with the island of Guernsey, will now be known as the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat. This honor was announced during the king’s visit to the island in the English Channel on Tuesday and applies to this livestock breed globally.
Rebecca Martin, the owner of eight-year-old Summerville Tamsin—the goat chosen to represent the breed—expressed hope that this recognition would draw more attention to these unique animals. “Hopefully this will raise awareness for the breed,” Martin said.
During the ceremony, King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, petted the small goat and praised the pale blond shade of its coat. The Golden Guernsey goats are known for their friendly and docile nature and their ability to produce high-quality milk. However, they are listed as “at risk” on the Rare Breeds Watchlist due to their rarity.
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Christopher Price, chief executive of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, highlighted the significance of this royal recognition. “The honor offers recognition of the breed’s historical significance and its value to biodiversity, the environment, and sustainable food production,” Price stated. He added that the goats’ selective grazing habits provide specific environmental benefits. “We are extremely grateful to his majesty for his continued, greatly valued support for British rare native livestock and equine breeds.”
The royal title is expected to bring much-needed attention and support to the preservation of the Golden Guernsey goats, ensuring their survival and contribution to biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
