A rare breed of goat in Guernsey will become 'Royal' on 16 July 2024 to mark the visit of the King and Queen of England.

The rare breed, which is distinguished by its golden skin and hair, will officially become 'the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat'.

It is the first time in recent history that the protected title has been granted to a livestock breed.

Guernsey requested the honour to recognise the significance of His Majesty King Charles III's first visit to Guernsey as reigning monarch.

The King will place an engraved brass goat bell around the neck of Summerville Tamsin, an eight-year-old female Golden Guernsey Goat on Tuesday afternoon.

The breed has a unique history dating back at least two hundred years, and can be found not just on the island, but in the UK and the USA.

The Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey, General Richard Cripwell, says there is great pride in the breed.

“The recognition being granted to our special and rare breed, the Golden Guernsey, is a wonderful and fitting way to mark the significance of His Majesty’s first visit to the island as King, an island whose relationship with the Crown is at its core constitutionally as well as historically.

It’s a legacy and a tremendous honour that will stay with Guernsey for future generations.”

Island FM's Holly Brown spoke to the President of the Golden Guernsey Goat Breed Society, Keith Opie, about the honour: