The Queen hosts a reception to mark the 90th anniversary of Brooke

Brooke, established in the early 1930s, is a UK-founded international charity dedicated to supporting working horses and donkeys worldwide. Inspired by the aftermath of the First World War, Dorothy Brooke initiated the Old War Horse Memorial Hospital in Cairo in 1934. Over the past nine decades, this initiative has evolved into a prominent global organization. By 2022/2023, Brooke has provided direct support to 1.4 million working equines and advocated for an additional 4.2 million.

During the reception, Her Majesty met with ambassadors, guests, and supporters of the charity at the Quadrangle of Buckingham Palace to meet mini ponies, Alfie and LaLa.

Her Majesty the Queen convened with Brooke personnel and supporters, who collectively engaged with over 10,000 communities globally last year. Subsequently, Brooke CEO Chris Wainwright delivered an address. In commemoration of the occasion, Her Majesty participated in a cake-cutting ceremony.

About Brooke

Brooke, Action for Working Horses and Donkeys, was established in 1934 as an international charity dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the well-being of horses, donkeys, and mules.

Her Majesty the Queen has maintained a longstanding affiliation with Brooke, serving as its President since 2006. During a State Visit to Kenya, Her Majesty witnessed firsthand how the organization contributes to equine welfare through Brooke’s East Africa Programme. She had the opportunity to visit a Donkey Care Club, where local children are educated on the proper care of their donkeys.

For 600 million individuals in some of the world’s most impoverished regions, approximately 100 million of these animals serve as vital assets to their communities, providing essential support for livelihoods. Without the health and well-being of working horses, donkeys, and mules, sustaining households, educating children, and fostering better futures would be significantly compromised.

Brooke’s initiatives not only enhance the lives of working animals but also create employment opportunities for individuals in developing nations.

Dorothy Brooke, wife of a British cavalry officer, founded Brooke after witnessing the plight of former war horses in Cairo and beyond following the conclusion of World War I in 1918. Her impassioned appeal in a letter to the editor of the then Morning Post (now The Telegraph) in 1931 garnered widespread attention, prompting the British public to contribute funds that enabled the repatriation of 5,000 horses. Subsequently, Dorothy established a veterinary clinic in Cairo to address the needs of these animals.

To explore further Her Majesty’s deep-seated commitment to animal welfare, visit the following link: The Queen’s Support for Animal Welfare