'Shenkin II', the regimental goat of the 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh, Cardiff Castle, 2016

Digital photograph by Sergeant Jon Bevan, Media Operations, 2016.

The Royal Welsh were one of a number of units involved in ceremonial activities to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday at Cardiff Castle on 21 April 2016.

The Royal Welsh and its predecessor units' relationship with goats dates back to an incident at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, during the American War of Independence. A wild goat is reputed to have strayed on to the battlefield and led the Royal Welsh Fusiliers' colour party from the field. A goat has served with the Regiment and its successor units ever since.

In 1884 Queen Victoria presented the Regiment with a Kashmir goat from her royal herd. Subsequently, the Royal Welsh have obtained all their regimental goats as a gift from the monarch. This means that they are deemed ranking members of the Regiment rather than mascots.

From a collection of digital photographs relating to animals and the British Army, 2016.