If you’ve followed the British Royal Family lately, you know they aren’t exactly having a quiet time. Between health updates and official tours, there’s always something in the headlines. But honestly? The most relatable thing to happen at the Palace recently has nothing to do with crowns or protocols. It’s about a scruffy, tiny, chaotic bundle of energy named Moley.
Moley is the newest Queen Camilla rescue dog, and he’s kind of a big deal. Not because he’s got a fancy pedigree—he definitely doesn't—but because of the story behind how he got there.
The Story of Moley: From Battersea to the Palace
Last November, Queen Camilla lost her beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Beth. For anyone who’s lost a dog after 13 years, you know that’s not just "losing a pet." It’s a gut-punch. Beth was everywhere. She was embroidered on the Queen’s Coronation gown. She was the one who famously helped Camilla "unveil" a plaque by pulling a string with a sausage attached to it.
When Beth passed away due to an untreatable tumor, the house felt empty.
Fast forward to February 2025. During a visit to Canterbury, the Queen let it slip. She’d gone back to her favorite place—Battersea Dogs & Cats Home—and found a new friend.
What kind of dog is Moley?
He’s a bit of a mystery. Born on Boxing Day (December 26) in 2024, Moley is technically a Jack Russell cross. Her mother was half Jack Russell and half "unknown," and as for the father? Nobody has a clue.
The Queen herself described him as a "bit of everything."
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When she first introduced him, people were naturally curious about the name. Why "Moley"? It’s simple, really. When he was just eight weeks old, he was tiny and dark. Camilla told a visitor at the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge that he simply "looks just like a mole."
It stuck.
Why the Queen Camilla rescue dog Moley matters for animal welfare
You might think the Royals would only want dogs with long, documented bloodlines. You know, the kind of dogs that win at Crufts. But the Queen has consistently bucked that trend. By choosing Moley, she’s sending a pretty loud message about adoption.
She didn't go to a high-end breeder.
She didn't pick a "designer" hybrid.
She went to a shelter.
A legacy of rescue
Moley isn't the first Battersea alum to roam the halls of Clarence House or Highgrove. He joins Bluebell, another Jack Russell that Camilla rescued back in 2012. Bluebell had a rough start; she was found wandering in the woods, starving and missing her fur.
Now, Bluebell is the elder statesman of the pair, likely trying to teach the "mischievous" Moley how to behave (or how to get extra treats from the King).
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Life as a Royal Rescue: The Dog Garden and Beyond
Moley isn't just sitting around in gold-leafed rooms. He’s already making his mark on the public stage. In May 2025, Buckingham Palace released the first official portrait of Moley to celebrate the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
In the photo, Moley looks exactly like what he is: a scrappy, scruffy puppy who probably has no idea he lives in a palace.
The Monty Don "Dog Garden"
One of the coolest things to happen since Moley joined the family was the creation of a special garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. Designed by the legendary Monty Don, this wasn't your typical manicured lawn. It was a garden designed for dogs. It had:
- Paths made of bricks inscribed with the names of the Royal dogs: Beth, Bluebell, and Moley.
- Plenty of shade under large trees.
- Sniff-friendly plants and "run-around" areas.
After the show ended, the entire garden was moved to Battersea's London site. It’s a permanent legacy for dogs that are still waiting for their own "happily ever after."
Addressing the misconceptions about royal pets
People often assume royal dogs are pampered to the point of being statues. That's just not true. These Jack Russells are notoriously stubborn and high-energy. They aren't Corgis (no shade to the late Queen Elizabeth’s iconic dogs). They are terriers. They dig. They bark. They chase things.
There’s a reason the Palace social media account called him "mischievous Moley."
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Honestly, the Queen seems to prefer it that way. She’s often seen with dog hair on her wool coats or mud on her boots. It makes the whole Royal image feel a bit more human. If the Queen can deal with a puppy chewing on the antique furniture, maybe we can all handle our own chaotic pets a little better.
What you can do if you're inspired by Moley
If you’re looking at Moley and thinking about getting your own "mole-like" companion, don't just search for a breeder. Here’s the real-world takeaway from the Queen's choice:
- Check your local shelters first. Organizations like Battersea (or your local SPCA) are currently overflowing. Since 2024, abandonment rates have been high due to the cost-of-living crisis.
- Look for the "bit of everything." Purebreds are great, but crosses often have fewer genetic health issues and a lot of personality.
- Prepare for the "Mischief." Puppies are hard work, whether they live in a palace or a flat. Moley was eight weeks old when he was adopted—that's a lot of training.
- Support the cause. Even if you can't adopt, supporting the institutions that the Queen champions helps thousands of other "Moleys" find homes.
Moley represents a new chapter for Queen Camilla. He's a sign of moving on after grief and a reminder that there’s always room for one more rescue in the family. Whether he’s keeping King Charles on his toes or napping in a sunlit garden, Moley is proof that you don't need a pedigree to be royal.
Next Steps for Potential Adopters
If you're ready to find your own companion, start by visiting the Battersea website to view their current residents. If you aren't in the UK, search for "no-kill shelters near me" to find organizations that prioritize animal welfare over profit. Remember that adopting a rescue like Moley is a 10 to 15-year commitment that requires patience, especially during the "mischievous" puppy stage.