Tom Parker Bowles, the son of Queen Camilla, has recounted the terrifying moment a 10-stone mastiff attacked his small Jack Russell terrier, Maud, during a walk in Kensington, west London. The food writer, 50, described how 'all hell broke loose' when the larger dog seized Maud, who weighs less than one stone.
Mr Parker Bowles said pure instinct took over as he launched himself onto the mastiff, trying to pry its jaws from Maud's belly. A bystander also struck the attacking dog with a walking stick, and after about 30 seconds the mastiff released its grip. The ordeal left Maud with severe injuries requiring two operations.
Writing in the Daily Mail, Mr Parker Bowles said he does not want the mastiff destroyed or its owner prosecuted, but he called for all large, powerful dogs to be muzzled in public. He noted that emergency veterinary care was expensive but praised his insurer Petplan for its efficiency.
The attack comes amid a sharp rise in dog attacks across the UK. Cleveland Police recorded a 163% increase between 2019 and 2024. Mr Parker Bowles highlighted the risk to children, referencing a case in Greater Manchester where a girl suffered 30 wounds from a pack of dogs.
Maud is now recovering but may need further surgery. Mr Parker Bowles, a father of two, said the incident left him fearful for small children encountering such dogs.
