The Regimental Goat Mascot

Britain's most famous goat dies

Shenkin the goat, the mascot of the Royal Welsh, has died.

Daily Telegraph - Published: 4:34PM BST 05 Aug 2009

Shenkin the goat, the mascot of the Royal Welsh. Photo: CROWN/PA

His death at the age of 13 was announced by the Ministry of Defence. Buckingham Palace has been informed.

He held the record for the longest-serving regimental goat, at 12 years. He was handpicked from the Queen's own herd of Royal Windsor Whites.

He had met the Queen, been on Blue Peter, inside 10 Downing Street and frequently led the Wales rugby team onto the field at the Millennium Stadium.

Goat Major Sergeant David Joseph said: "He was always busy with charity work, weddings and school visits.

"If the Queen or Prince Charles were attending a parade they would always make the effort to come over and ask how he is.

"The Queen especially showed a great interest in his welfare.

"He is the best goat we have had. He loved kids, was a really well-behaved animal and very down to earth."

Shenkin was the latest in a long line of army goats since the first one - Taffy - was presented to the Royal Welsh by Queen Victoria after the Crimean War.

Sgt Joseph said Shenkin died of old age and plans were being made for a memorial to him at Cardiff's Maindy Barracks.