LONDON — The Royal Welsh Regiment is saying farewell to a four-legged military buddy.
After seven years of U.K. Army service, Billy the goat, whose full name is William Windsor, retired amid pomp and ceremony today.
The nine-year-old will enjoy his retirement at a zoo outside of London.
The battalion has had a goat in its ranks for more than 200 years in a tradition that dates to the U.S. Revolutionary War when a wild goat wandered onto a battlefield and ended up leading the regimental colours at the end of a battle.
To this day, the regimental goat marches in front of the battalion in ceremonies.
Billy’s replacement will be unveiled next month when a kid will be selected from a herd in north Wales.