Queen Camilla’s rescue dog Moley steals the spotlight during ultra-rare appearance

The British royal family are synonymous with their love of dogs. The late Queen Elizabeth II had a legendary bond with her beautiful corgis, while the Prince and Princess of Wales’ pups often feature in their official family portraits.

But it was Queen Camilla’s rescue pup Moley, whom the royal welcomed last year, who got fans talking after she played a starring role in a special surprise video in honour of Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday.

In a clip shown at the Royal Albert Hall gala, King Charles was seen sitting at his desk at Balmoral Castle to write a letter to the famous conservationist and kindly includes Moley in the activity. See the moment in the video below.

In the video, the King can be heard saying: “Ready? Come on, good girl,” before sitting down to write Sir David’s birthday card.

“Dear David,” he says. “My wife and I are delighted to learn that you will be celebrating your 100th birthday on May 8 and wanted to send you our warmest congratulations on such a special occasion. 

“It is amazing to think that you and I have known one another for more than 60 years. Indeed, I believe that we first met in 1958, almost a decade before the age of colour television, and of course, our paths have crossed many times since.”

Moley was lovingly adopted by Camilla in February last year,  shortly after the sad passing of her late dog, Beth, in November 2024.

© Getty Images/Pool

News of Beth’s passing was announced on social media by the palace in a touching statement that read: “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.”

Moving on

Months later, Camilla shared that she had welcomed little Moley during a solo visit to Canterbury, where she unveiled a statue of Canterbury-born writer Aphra Behn and visited the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge.

While meeting a partially-sighted museum group, King Charles’s wife bent down to stroke a golden retriever guide dog and explained how she’d just got a new eight-week-old rescue puppy called Moley who looks “just like a mole.”  It’s believed the female dog is from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and was born on Boxing Day.

After being asked what her new arrival is, Camilla replied: “You may well ask. A bit of everything. It’s a rescue dog.” Moley’s mother is understood to be half Jack Russell, half unknown, while her father’s breed is unknown.