Queen Camilla's rescue puppy Moley became an unexpected star during a surprise video tribute honouring Sir David Attenborough as he marked his centenary on May 8.
The footage, screened at a gala celebration held at the Royal Albert Hall, featured the adorable mixed-breed dog alongside King Charles at his Scottish residence.
The British royals have long been associated with their canine companions, from the late Queen Elizabeth II's beloved corgis to the family pets regularly seen in official photographs of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Moley captured the hearts of viewers during the special birthday celebration for the renowned conservationist.
Queen Camilla's rescue puppy Moley became an unexpected star during a surprise video tribute honouring Sir David Attenborough as he marked his centenary on May 8.
|Buckingham Palace/PA
The video showed the King seated at his desk within Balmoral Castle, preparing to pen a birthday card for Sir David. "Ready? Come on, good girl," the King was heard saying as he invited Moley to join him before beginning to write.
In his message, King Charles expressed that he and the Queen were "delighted to learn that you will be celebrating your 100th birthday on May 8" and offered their "warmest congratulations on such a special occasion."
The monarch reflected on their remarkable six-decade connection, noting: "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."
Moley joined the royal household in February last year, when Camilla adopted the puppy just months after losing her cherished companion Beth.
In his message, King Charles expressed that he and the Queen were "delighted to learn that you will be celebrating your 100th birthday on May 8" and offered their "warmest congratulations on such a special occasion."
|GETTY
The Palace announced Beth's death in November 2024 through a poignant social media tribute describing her as "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."
Beth had also been a rescue dog from the Battersea charity, continuing Camilla's commitment to rehoming animals in need.
The Queen revealed her new addition during an engagement in Canterbury, where she was unveiling a statue of writer Aphra Behn.
During that Canterbury visit, where she also toured the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, Camilla encountered a partially-sighted museum group and bent down to greet a golden retriever guide dog.
She explained that she had recently welcomed an eight-week-old rescue puppy, describing the dog as looking "just like a mole" – hence the name.
When asked about Moley's breed, the Queen responded: "You may well ask. A bit of everything. It's a rescue dog."
The puppy is believed to have come from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, with a Boxing Day birthdate. Her mother is thought to be part Jack Russell, while her father's breed remains a mystery.