King Charles III regifts seven cows to Jersey farmer after rare disease decimated his herd

"It was a traumatic event" - farmer Charlie Le Boutillier speaks to Katya Fowler about the loss of his cows and how the King wrote a letter to him

King Charles III gifted seven cows back to Jersey after most of a leading milk herd died from a rare disease.

The likely cause was later found to be botulism - a severe and fatal illness for most cattle.

Strict rules around importing animals into Jersey make replacing herds difficult so His Majesty has stepped in to help.

Queen Elizabeth II was originally offered seven cows by Jersey to celebrate her 2022 Platinum Jubilee.

The heifers were kept on the island to be bred as a lasting legacy within the Windsor herd before being shipped to the UK.

However, following recent events, the King has gifted them back to the island to help with Woodlands Farm's restocking programme.

Members of the Jersey Milk Marketing Board have also offered animals to support the family-run business.

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