Right royal return for Billy the goat!

William - or Billy - has spent the last eight years as a member of the 1st Battalion the Royal Welsh. Whilst there, his duties included marching in front of the battalion on ceremonial duties.

Recently he returned to the Children’s Farm at Whipsnade, where he was born nine years ago.

Before departing the regiment’s base in Chester, Billy was treated to a farewell parade with soldiers lining the way from his stable to his transport trailer. His long service had even included a two and a half year posting in Cyprus.

At Whipsnade the four female White Windsor goats took a similar lively interest when Billy arrived back on Tuesday.

Keeper Linda Walker said they lined up against the side of their outdoor paddock as he came in with his carer the Goat Major Lance-Corporal Ryan Arthur.

“They knew something was happening and it was probably his smell that caught their attention!” said Linda.

Billy will have a short 30-day spell in an off-show area for obligatory health checks before he goes out to enjoy life in the paddock in the farm where visitors will be able to marvel at his impressive horns.

Keepers say he is already settling in well and they look forward to seeing him keep any unruly animals in order on the farm!