London based animal welfare charity Mayhew has welcomed The Duchess of Sussex on Her Royal Highness’s first visit as their Patron.
The Duchess was welcomed by CEO Caroline Yates along with Mayhew staff and volunteers, as well as members of the community and animals under the charity’s care.
Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Hammersmith and Fulham Mr Kevin McGrath joined Caroline Yates to greet The Duchess and led a guided tour of the White City based centre.
During the tour, Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Sussex was first introduced to introduced to one of the TheraPaws team, Claire Godwin and collie mix breed Roobarb, and two elderly residents of the Lawfield Care Home, where they visit on a regular basis.
The Duchess heard first-hand how Roobarb’s visits to the care home provide companionship, promote emotional and physical wellbeing and benefit the lives of all residents -from inspiring happy memories of previously owned pets to encouraging new friendships and comforting those suffering from loneliness. 
In the charity’s cattery, HRH met two local people, Miriam and Ted, who formed a life-changing friendship over the discovery of a feral cat colony. AJ Ford, Deputy Head of Animal Welfare explained how Mayhew have worked to control the colony size through their Trap, Neuter and Return programme.
Dr Abdul Jalil Mohammadzai (Dr Mo) and Head Vet Nurse Gillian Rich spoke to The Duchess about Mayhew’s veterinary work in the UK and in overseas countries.
Dr Mo explained how he and his team have implemented leading animal welfare initiatives within Afghanistan, overcoming an extremely challenging environment to control and prevent the spread of rabies and canine overpopulation.
Gillian Rich also spoke to The Duchess about the community-minded veterinary work that the charity does in London in their Community Vet Clinic, which offers free and low-cost vaccination and treatment to animals and owners in need.
Finishing off her Royal visit, The Duchess had cuddles with Minnie, a Jack Russell Terrier puppy who will soon be available for adoption and Foxy, a Pomeranian who has just found her forever family.
To find out more about Mayhew’s work you can visit www.mayhew.org.
