PREVIEW

These are examples of the rare breed of goat that is being granted a special title when King Charles III visits Guernsey on Tuesday 16 July 2024.
The Golden Guernsey Goat breed will be renamed the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat.
This marks the first time in recent history that a protected title has been granted to a livestock breed. The title will apply to all Golden Guernseys on the island and across the world. Royal titles are rarely granted and are subject to strict standards, following advice from the Cabinet Office.
During the ceremony, an engraved brass goat bell on a collar will be placed around the neck of Summerville Tamsin, an eight-year-old female Golden Guernsey Goat. This dairy breed is known for its distinctive golden skin and hair, which can range from pale blond to deep bronze.
These examples are not from Guernsey itself but from Ruth Dalton’s herd in the Lake District, and Poppy Cottrell’s herd in North Yorkshire. The goat enthusiasts are members of the Golden Guernsey Goat Society.
The decision to grant the royal title highlights its cultural and historical significance, as well as its value to biodiversity, the environment, and sustainable food production.
King Charles III, who is the patron of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, supports the preservation of such rare breeds. The Golden Guernsey Goat’s new title will be a lasting legacy for the breed.