A ROYAL pat was given by the Queen’s grandson to the two dogs of Allen Parton of Petersfield-based charity Hounds for Heroes at the Queen’s birthday celebrations in London.

Peter Phillips, son of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, took time out to make a fuss of EJ and Rookie in the crowd-lined Mall on Sunday. “He saw EJ and Rookie and came over,” said Allen. “He said he realised there hadn’t been any doggy picnic hampers made up.”

Allen and his wife Sandra were at the event as guests of the national Motability charity, which has provided support for Allen who is in a wheelchair.