King Charles III: The truth behind the supposed animal sacrifice at his proclamation

Following an unexpected appearance at King Charles III's proclamation in Wales, a claim has arisen on social media that the pomp and pageantry included a barbaric ritual.

King Charles III’s proclamation

On 11th September, King Charles visited Wales for the first time as Monarch, where His Majesty attended Cardiff Castle for his proclamation.

A procession marched from Cardiff City Hall to the castle before the proclamation was read in English and Welsh, ITV News reports. The 26 men of the 3rd Battalion the Royal Welsh were accompanied by a white goat.

A living sacrifice for the new King

Social media users have claimed that the animal’s participation was for ritualistic purposes. The Facebook post claims:

This is the Britiish carrying a white ram (intended for sacrifice) for the crowning and declaration of Prince Charles as King of England.

The poster continues by saying that gruesome rituals are ‘ancient tradition and culture’ in Britain and that the sacrifice ‘will be celebrated’. The post has been shared close to 300 times.

The Welsh Royal mascot

However, the post has since been fact-checked, and the claims are false.

According to USA Today, the animal is, in fact, the mascot for the Royal Welsh. The 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh’s mascot is a white goat named Shenkin IV.

It is thought this tradition dates back to the American War of Independence. According to the story, a goat wandered onto the battlefield and was subsequently adopted by the Welsh regiment.

Another story claims that the tradition dates back to the Crimean War. In this version, a soldier, who was suffering from hypothermia, stuffed a baby goat in his uniform to keep warm. The goat then supposedly warned the soldier of Russian troop activities.

Per ITV, official mascots have a regimental number, rank and salary. The current Shenkin is a lance corporal. It is also possible for the mascots to be promoted or demoted, just like human soldiers. The publication reports that a former mascot was actually demoted after misbehaving during a parade.

Sources used:

- USA Today: 'Fact check: Image shows Welsh military mascot, not white ram to be sacrificed for King Charles III'

- ITV News: 'Shenkin the goat plays key role in King Charles' Proclamation at Cardiff Castle'

- ITV News: 'King Charles III is formally proclaimed in Wales at Cardiff Castle ceremony'

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