Royals

William’s guard dogs put down days after he left military base

William's guard dogs put down days after he left military base

Prince William during a shift as a RAF Search and Rescue pilot on Anglesey.

Two military dogs that loyally protected the Duke of Cambridge throughout his active duty in the air force were put down only days after he completed his final shift.

According to the Ministry of Defence Belgian Shepard Brus and his colleague Blade, a German Shephard, were unable to be rehomed.

A spokesperson said the patrol dogs being put down after completing their royal duties was “entirely coincidental”.

“The department’s policy is to rehome all military working dogs at the end of their service wherever practicable.

“Regrettably, however, there are occasions when they have to be put down. This action is only ever taken as a last resort.”

One of the dogs was said to be at the end of his working life, while the other had “behavioural issues”.

The royal family have not commented on the fate of Prince William’s former canine companions, but it is well known Duke comes from a long line of animal lovers and has a passion for all living things.

William and Kate’s dog Lupo is considered part of the family, appearing in the first official family photographs alongside their son, Prince George.

The Prince also spoke recently of his love for animals and conservation in a documentary for African conservation charity Tusk Trust, to which he is patron.

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