Queen Elizabeth II: a statement from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

“Like the whole of the UK, the President, Councils and staff of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons are devastated to learn of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, our loyal Patron and benefactor since 1952.

“Throughout her 70-year reign, the Queen, as a renowned animal-lover, was a steadfast supporter of both the College and the veterinary professions as a whole.

"She visited the former RCVS headquarters in 1994 for our 'Charter 150' celebrations, to mark the 150th anniversary of our original Royal Charter, and granted permission to use her name and likeness for the RCVS Queen’s Medal, the highest honour the RCVS can bestow upon a veterinary surgeon.

“We reflect upon her extraordinary legacy, service and contribution with both awe and sadness, and, along with all in the veterinary professions, our thoughts are with the Royal Family on this very difficult day.”