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Queen hosts reception for Brooke’s 90th anniversary
Queen Camilla has been president of Brooke for 18 years.
Guests included famous faces and miniature ponies.

The Queen has hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the equine welfare charity Brooke.

Guests at the event included Brooke representatives from around the world as well as famous supports of the charity including Rory Bremner, Angela Rippon, and the charity’s patron Alastair Stewart.

Two miniature ponies, Alfie and Lala, also met the Queen in the Quadrangle of Buckingham Palace.

The Queen has been president of Brooke for 18 years, beginning when she was Duchess of Cornwall. After a recent review by the palace of royal patronages and presidencies, it has been announced that she will continue in the role.

Brooke was founded in 1934 by Dorothy Brooke and helps working equines across Africa, Asia, Central America and the Middle East.

Chris Wainwright, chief executive of Brooke, said: "I’d like to thank Her Majesty the Queen for her lifelong dedication to equine welfare, her commitment to Brooke through her presidency which started in 2006, and for hosting a marvellous event for some of our valued supporters at Buckingham Palace.
 
“The day provided us with a very official recognition of Brooke’s amazing impact on the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules over the last 90 years.  

“Everyone at Brooke is and will always be driven by our passion for animal welfare, and we’re extremely privileged to have royal support as we approach 100 years of transformational change.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.