British army lance corporal demoted for acting the goat

William (Billy) Windsor, regimental goat of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, has been demoted for refusing to keep in step at a parade for Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday, officers said.



"He was charged with disobeying a direct order ... the commanding officer had no other option but to reduce his rank to fusilier," Captain Crispin Coates told AFP.

The goat was marched before the CO after being reported for "unacceptable behaviour" by his handler, also known as the goat major.

Because he acted the goat, Billy's drop in rank means fusiliers no longer have to stand to attention when he passes by.