Pottery goat made by King as a Cambridge student sells at auction
It was sold by the nephew of a former cook at the university
Last updated 6th Jun 2024
A pottery goat, made by King Charles more than 50 years ago, has sold for thousands of pounds at auction.
His Majesty is believed to have created the sculpture while studying at Cambridge University in the 1960s.
It had been treasured by retired carpenter Raymond Patten, from Canada, for 55 years, after it was gifted to him by his aunt, who worked as a cook at the university.
Raymond said is was a 21st birthday present: "She told me Prince Charles had made it. She was proud of the fact he attended Cambridge University in the late 1960s when she worked as a cook for the president of Queen’s College.
"I believe she knew the future king on a personal basis. I have treasured the goat all my life.
"My aunt, who passed away at the age of 87 in 1993 in Cheshire, used to live at 37 Norfolk Terrace, Cambridge.
"She was my grandfather’s sister and never married. She was honoured to serve members of the royal family. She cooked a meal for the Queen Mother."
A private American buyer paid £8,500 for the goat.
Auction house owner Charles Hanson said: "This simple ceramics piece proved itself to be the Greatest Of All Time goats.
"People the world over are fascinated by British royalty and the opportunity to own a unique item crafted by King Charles sparked major interest.
"Though a keen artist, he is better known for his paintings, so this was a rare opportunity. I am delighted we achieved a good result for our client."
"Perhaps King Charles was inspired by the goat mascot of The Royal Regiment of Wales. As the regiment’s first colonel-in-chief, he wore its uniform at his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969.
"Raymond decided to part with it due to its historical significance. He is in his retirement years and wanted to find it a new home where it would be treasured for decades to come."