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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Nia Dalton

Queen's patron charity makes special gesture to honour her lifelong devotion to animals

As the nation grieves the death of the Queen, many of her patron charities are paying their respects and honouring special moments they treasured with her over the years. From women's issues to animal rights and frontline support, the Queen has been integral to more than 600 major charities and smaller, independent ones.

Some of the most long-standing charities that she was a patron of include the British Red Cross, the RNLI and the RSPCA, all of which have paid their respects and condolences to the royal family. The RSPCA, which gained royal approval in 1840, has announced a touching tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II - to remember her lifelong dedication to animals.

For the latest updates as the world mourns the Queen and King Charles III's reign begins, follow our live blog.

The Queen was a dedicated patron to more than 600 charities (Getty Images)
She was especially fond of dogs and her beloved corgi pets (Getty Images)

The charity will be awarding a new award in the Queen's name to those who have made a "huge contribution to animal welfare".

"Staff and volunteers across the RSPCA share the nation's sadness on the passing of our Monarch and Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," Chief Executive Chris Sherwood said in a statement.

"During her 70-year reign The Queen was well known for her love of animals and particularly her beloved dogs.

"In 1840 we received royal approval from Queen Victoria and we continue to be extremely proud of our royal heritage.

"We were honoured to take part in a parade for the Silver Jubilee in 1977, as well as the Patron's Lunch in 2016.

"Looking ahead to 2024, we will be awarding a new medal in The Queen's name to honour those who have made a huge contribution to animal welfare."

Many charities have paid tributes and thanked the Queen for her work (Getty Images)
She left a huge impact on the lives of people and animals (Print Collector/Getty Images)

The British Red Cross also celebrated some of the special moments from its relationship with the Queen, showcasing a series of photographs of her historic work.

"Over the last seven decades, Her Majesty showed enduring support for the work of the Red Cross here in the UK, and around the world," the charity shared.

"Countless Red Cross appeals for disasters and tragedies have benefitted from her generous donations.

"Most recently, Her Majesty donated to the National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal and the Tonga earthquake appeal in 2022.

"The Queen has also been a source of support and comfort to people during some of the toughest times in their lives."

RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowie wrote: "On behalf of everyone involved with the RNLI, we send our heartfelt condolences to The Royal Family on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The RNLI was one of the Queen's longest-standing patron charities (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

"Her Majesty has dedicated 70 years as patron of the RNLI, engaging with and recognising the efforts of thousands of our people.

"We place on record our sincere thanks for Her Majesty’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea. Our thoughts are with The Royal Family and Her Majesty’s loyal subjects across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth."

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive at Dogs Trust, thanked the Queen for her contribution towards rescuing stray dogs.

He commented: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty the Queen and wish to convey our sympathy to the Royal Family.

"Her Majesty had been our patron since 1990 and, as a world-famous dog lover, her backing was a great help in highlighting the rescue dogs in our care. We will always be grateful for her support."

You can leave your tributes to Queen Elizabeth II here.

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