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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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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
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.