9 May 2024

Her Majesty The Queen hosts reception for 90th anniversary of Brooke

Her Majesty with Brooke representatives from around the world, Alfie the donkey and Lala the pony.

Brooke President, Her Majesty The Queen, hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace, to mark the 90th anniversary of Brooke.  

Her Majesty met with Brooke representatives from around the world including India, Pakistan, and Egypt, the birthplace of Brooke.

Guests included 40 of Brooke’s supporters, such as Rory Bremner, Annette Badland, Dr Scott Miller, Angela Rippon and the charity’s patron, Alastair Stewart.  

A small donkey and pony greeted guests and were photographed with The Queen, who cut a Brooke 90th anniversary cake to commemorate the occasion.  

Chief Executive of Brooke, Chris Wainwright, said: "I’d like to thank Her Majesty the Queen for her lifelong dedication to equine welfare, her commitment to Brooke through her presidency which started in 2006, and for hosting a marvellous event for some of our valued supporters at Buckingham Palace. 
 
“The day provided us with a very official recognition of Brooke’s amazing impact on the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules over the last 90 years.  

“Everyone at Brooke is and will always be driven by our passion for animal welfare, and we’re extremely privileged to have royal support as we approach 100 years of transformational change.” 

The Queen is a strong supporter of equine welfare and has travelled the world to see Brooke’s work, most recently visiting Kenya in October 2023. 

Brooke was founded in 1934 by Dorothy Brooke. It directly reaches 1.4 million working animals a year. 

This work is made possible thanks to Brooke’s UK supporters, whose fundraising efforts ensure working animals have a life worth living. 

Photo credits go to Ian Jones.