Animal rights activists Rosa Sharkey, Sarah Foy, and Rose Patterson are currently on trial at Norwich Crown Court, where they are denying charges of stealing three lambs from King Charles' Sandringham estate in May 2023. The activists claim they took the lambs in an effort to draw attention to the conditions of sheep farming, including the treatment of animals in slaughterhouses and the environmental impact of the industry. During the trial, Sharkey, 26, stated that the King would have approved of the rescue, citing his known concerns about animal welfare and the environment. Sharkey admitted that the activists did not intend to return the lambs to the farm, explaining that the animals were taken to a sanctuary to avoid their slaughter. She described the act as a rescue rather than a publicity stunt, emphasizing the lambs' well-being and the need to protect them from harm. The group had previously visited the Sandringham estate and observed a sheep suffering from a severe limp and a lack of water on a hot day, which influenced their decision to intervene. On May 24, 2023, the activists entered the Sandringham estate through a low electric fence and spent several hours in the field gaining the lambs’ trust before taking three of them in a van driven by a fourth person, who is not on trial. The lambs were reportedly taken to a sanctuary, though Sharkey was unable to provide its name during the trial. After the incident, the activists traveled to Windsor to inform the police of their actions and raise public awareness. However, they said they were ignored by officers near Windsor Castle and decided to go directly to the police station to ensure their story was heard. Patterson, who became emotional during her testimony, expressed her desire to save the lambs and to raise awareness about the plight of animals that could not be rescued. She emphasized the emotional and ethical reasons behind the activists' actions. The trial continues, with the three activists maintaining that they did not commit theft but instead acted in the interest of the lambs' welfare.