Charles Cuddles Up to a Highland Pony Before Turning Vet for the Day

[cinrit]

Prince Charles proved that he's more than just a pretty face today, when he turned his hand to veterinary work during a visit to a Caithness college today.  Wielding a stethoscope like a pro, the royal was shown how to listen for heart problems with a little help from a Jack Russell dog named Jasper.

And not content with helping one animal, the Prince of Wales - or the Duke of Rothesay as he's known north of the border -  went on to repeat the trick with dapple grey highland pony Matthew.

Clearly at ease with horses, he looked relaxed and happy as he chatted with Matthew's handler Alastair Maitheson and gave the feisty pony a pat.

Charles' close encounter with the animal kingdom came as he toured North Highland College in Halkirk during a flying one-day trip to the north.

More: Prince Charles cuddles up to a Highland pony before turning vet for the day | Mail Online

The Duke of Rothesay Visits Caithness

The Duke of Rothesay (as The Prince of Wales is known in Scotland) visited a sick Jack Russell and admired watercolours during a visit to Caithness in Scotland.

His Royal Highness visited North Highland College Centre for Game Keeping and Veterinary Nursing, near Halkirk in Caithness, a few miles south of the most northern point in the British mainland.

The Duke of Rothesay spoke to veterinary students as they were treating a dog with a heart condition. Jennifer Ironside, Michelle Pritchard and Sarah Mackenzie introduced Jasper, a Jack Russell with a heart murmur, which His Royal Highness then listened to himself with their stethoscope.

His Royal Highness later visited an art exhibition by the Society of Caithness Artists, at Thurso High School, where he met artists who have created almost 400 exhibits - which include two painted by The Duke himself.

More: The Duke of Rothesay visits Caithness

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