Duchess Camilla’s ‘gentle way’ shines through as she celebrates major birthday - and it’s not hers!

Duchess Camilla’s “gentle way” was praised by fans as she celebrated a major birthday in London - and it wasn’t her own!

• The Duchess of Cornwall hosted a special reception ahead of her own 75th birthday as she marked the belated 160th anniversary of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
• Fans were treated to a sweet video of Duchess Camilla interacting with guests and dogs alike and were quick to express their delight.   
• This royal news comes as we revealed how Duchess Camilla's Ray Mill House gives her a 'sense of empowerment' and shows she's 'a person in her own right'. 

As a senior member of the extended Royal Family, Duchess Camilla has been observed taking on even greater responsibilities in recent months as she prepares for her future as Queen Consort. Though despite the seriousness of her role, she’s not been afraid to share intriguing personal insights ahead of her 75th birthday. Making her British Vogue debut in June, it was revealed why Duchess Camilla will miss out on some of the Queen’s jewels as she talked about everything from work to her relationship with Prince Charles. 

Whilst fans were delighted to see Duchess Camilla captured by Kate Middleton in the cover photo for her Guest Edited issue of Country Life and heard behind-the-scenes details in a new ITV documentary. Now as her birthday draws closer, Duchess Camilla’s “gentle way” shone through as she marked a very different milestone with some utterly adorable guests… 

The Duchess of Cornwall has been the Patron of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home since 2017 and her most recent engagement saw her mark their belated 160th anniversary. The animal charity’s birthday is a huge occasion and Duchess Camilla hosted a special reception to mark this milestone.  

Though the senior royal and the esteemed guests, including author Jacqueline Wilson and presenter Paul O’Grady, weren’t alone! As revealed by an enlightening social media post that includes an unmissable cute video, Duchess Camilla was greeted by a “doggy Guard of Honor” made up of six of Battersea’s rescue dogs.

Held in the gardens of her and Prince Charles’ London home, Clarence House, the Duchess of Cornwall spoke with staff, volunteers and other Battersea supporters - as well as getting to enjoy plenty of sweet moments with the dogs. 

And while the canine guests were treated to delicious dog-friendly ice cream in the sunshine, the future Queen had the honor of cutting Battersea’s birthday cake.

The wonderful event certainly highlighted Duchess Camilla’s passion for animals and fans were quick to express their joy at seeing her “gentle way” with the dogs. 

“Such a delightful engagement! Always a joy to see HRH interacting with animals, she's got such a gentle way with them ❤️”, one fan said admiringly.

Another agreed, commenting, “I think Her Royal Highness is very great. And she loves dogs.❤️”

“And this is why I love the Duchess of Cornwall 😊”, a third person said, clearly delighted to see Duchess Camilla’s animal-loving side come out in public.

This 160th birthday came just three days before the Duchess of Cornwall’s 75th birthday and whilst it’s not yet clear how she’s planning to celebrate her own big day, she told British Vogue that the focus will be very much on her nearest and dearest.

“I shall spend it with my family and a few friends,” she declared at the time.