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The Duchess attends a fundraising garden party for the Brooke Hospital for Animals

19th August 2008

The Duchess of Cornwall attended a fundraising garden party for an animal welfare charity in Aberdeenshire today.

Her Royal Highness, known as The Duchess of Rothesay when in Scotland, attended the event as President of the Brooke Hospital for Animals, the UK's leading overseas equine welfare charity.

The organisation, which The Duchess has visited in Egypt and Pakistan during overseas tours, seeks to improve the lives of horses, donkeys and mules working in the poorest parts of the world.

The Brooke currently operates across nine countries in Asia, Africa, Central America and the Middle East and aims to reach five million working animals by 2016.

The Duchess became President of the Brooke in 2006 after visiting Pakistan to see the work being done by the charity in the wake of the country's earthquake the previous year.

At the event today The Duchess toured the garden and met stall-holders, sponsors and guests before drawing raffle tickets from the panniers, a pair of baskets, worn by Porridge the donkey.

The Duchess first encountered 30-year-old Porridge around four years ago in Aberdeen at another event, during which he hurt his leg.

When introduced today to Porridge, who is a mascot for Brooke, The Duchess said she "would never forget the last time" she saw him.

She added: "We were all so worried about you."

After drawing the raffle, The Duchess was presented with a bouquet before leaving the event.

The party was held at the home of Linda Moncur Anderson, who met The Duchess at the fundraiser four years ago and introduced her to the work of the Brooke.

She said: "When I asked The Duchess if she would like to attend today's party, she immediately said yes. It's been a fabulous day."

Mike Baker, Chief Executive of the Brooke, said: "Her enthusiasm for the Brooke comes from the heart - she loves horses and has a really good feel for what we do."

Click here to find out more about The Duchess's Charities and Patronages.
Click here to find out more about The Duchess's interest in animals and their welfare.