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King Charles confirmed as RVC Royal Patron
The review of royal patronages marked the anniversary of the King's coronation.
The patronage was last held by Prince Philip.

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has officially confirmed King Charles III as its Royal Patron.

The announcement follows a review of royal patronages, shared as part of wider celebrations which marked the first anniversary of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation.

King Charles’ patronage of the RVC continues a royal tradition, with the first patronage acquired by King George V. Most recently, royal patronage of the RVC was held by Prince Philip.

However, the veterinary school’s royal history reaches further than this, with Queen Victoria giving it its first Royal Charter in 1875.

Since then there have been a number of royal visits to RVC’s Hawkshead campus. This includes Princess Anne’s attendance of the 1994 graduation ceremony, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip opening the Large Animal Clinical Centre and Eclipse Building in 2003, and the official opening of an extension of the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals by Queen Camilla (then Duchess of Cornwall).

Queen Camilla remains a Patron of The Royal Veterinary College Animal Care Trust.

Now, as a Royal Patron of RVC, King Charles will support the work and research of the veterinary school.

Stuart Reid CBE, president and principal of the RVC, said: “We are honoured that His Majesty has graciously agreed to be our Patron, continuing the long association between the Royal Family and the RVC.

“We look forward to welcoming His Majesty to our campuses and sharing the achievements of our staff and students.”

Baroness Young of Old Scone, member and chair of the RVC Council, said: “The Royal Family has supported the RVC since 1875, so we are incredibly fortunate and grateful that His Majesty has agreed to continue this association and support of our world-leading research, teaching and clinical services with his patronage.”

Image © RVC

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."