In an unprecedented move, King Charles III has conferred a royal title upon an unlikely recipient: the Golden Guernsey goat. During a visit to the island of Guernsey in the English Channel, the British monarch officially recognized the rare breed of dairy goat, bestowing upon it the distinguished title of "Royal Golden Guernsey Goat."

The announcement was made as King Charles and Queen Camilla toured Les Cotils, a significant cultural site on the island. The honor marks the first instance in recent history where a livestock breed has been granted such a title. According to Daily Mail royal reporter Rebecca English, this title will now apply to the Golden Guernsey goat breed globally, acknowledging their unique golden skin and brown hair.

King Charles, who serves as patron of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, met and petted Summerville Tamsin, an 8-year-old Golden Guernsey goat selected to represent the breed. The monarch was assisted by 9-year-old Joe Martin, whose family owns Tamsin, affectionately known as "Tam Tam." Together, they placed an engraved brass bell around the goat's neck during a ceremonial event.

Rebecca Martin, Joe’s mother, expressed her joy at the recognition bestowed upon the rare goat breed. "It will give a much higher recognition of the breed and will hopefully safeguard their future," she said. The Golden Guernsey, which has been a part of the island's history for around 200 years, is currently listed as at risk on the Rare Breeds Watchlist.

The breed faced near extinction at one point but was saved by a local woman named Miriam Milbourne about 100 years ago. Milbourne ensured their survival by hiding the goats during the Nazi occupation of the island and launching a feeding program to sustain them.

King Charles commended families like the Martins who are dedicated to the care and preservation of Golden Guernseys. "You've got to keep it all going. I hear there is interest on the mainland too which is wonderful," the monarch remarked following the ceremony.

The visit to Guernsey was part of a two-day trip by King Charles and Queen Camilla to the Channel Islands. Besides the ceremony for the Golden Guernsey goats, the royal couple engaged in various cultural and heritage activities. At Crown Pier, King Charles sampled a local beer and interacted with the community, reflecting his ongoing commitment to local culture and sustainability.

In a heartwarming moment captured by the BBC and shared on social media, a 91-year-old well-wisher, Kathleen Moriarty, shared an impromptu kiss with King Charles. "I just did it! I didn't plan it, and I enjoyed it. He's lovely. It was very nice. I am pleased," Moriarty said. "I thought if all these young dolly birds can do it, this old lady can!"