He died yesterday, however his cause of death is yet to be revealed. (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)

A famous Army goat who was a guest at rugby matches and met the Prince of Wales, has died aged seven.

Lance Corporal Shenkin III, a Kashmiri from the Royal Herd at the Great Orme in Llandudno, was the Regimental Mascot of 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh.

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He died yesterday, and a Ministry of Defence spokeswoman told Metro.co.uk that he ‘died of illness’.

A letter has been sent to the Queen officially informing her of Shenkin’s death and asking permission for the regiment to select a new goat.


Goats from the Great Orme herd have been presented to the regiment for more than 170 years.

The Prince of Wales meeting Lance Corporal Shenkin III and his handler Sgt Mark Jackson (Picture: Matt Cardy/PA Wire)

Lance Corporal Shenkin III died aged seven (Picture: Sgt Russ Nolan RLC/ MoD/ Crown Cop/ PA Wire)

They have led officers and soldiers in freedom parades and the national rugby team on to the field at the Principality Stadium. (Picture: MoD/ PA Wire)

Queen Victoria presented the Royal Welch Fusiliers with its first official royal goat in 1844.



Shenkin III was selected for duty following the death of his predecessor, also called Shenkin, in 2009, who died aged 12.

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Goat Major Sergeant Mark Jackson has been at Shenkin’s side for the past five years.

They have led officers and soldiers in freedom parades and the national rugby team on to the field at the Principality Stadium.

Shenkin will have a headstone commissioned outside Regimental Headquarters in Maindy Barracks, where flags have been at half-mast in tribute.

Sergeant Jackson said: ‘He was a legend. He wasn’t just a Regimental goat, but part of my family as well. He loved a crowd and was a total poser.’

Lieutenant Colonel Nigel Crewe-Read, the commanding officer of the battalion, said: ‘Shenkin was the figurehead for the battalion and would lead us wherever we went.

‘He was a symbol of the great traditions of The Royal Welsh.’

The process of finding a successor from the Royal Herd will soon begin, and while that continues Llywelyn, the Regimental Mascot for 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh, will assume duties.