Corgis and Queen Elizabeth: A Royal Affection

Hello, fellow dog lovers! Today, we're diving into a topic that's close to our hearts and the heart of one very special woman - Queen Elizabeth II and her beloved Corgis. So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's explore the fascinating bond between these royal pups and their esteemed owner. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and corgi and queen elizabeth.

A Lifetime of Corgis

Queen Elizabeth's love for Corgis began in her youth and lasted throughout her reign.

Born in 1926, Princess Elizabeth grew up surrounded by dogs, with her family keeping Corgis since the 1930s. Her first Corgi, named Dookie, was a gift from her father, King George VI, for her 18th birthday. Little did they know, this was just the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the breed.

Did you know? The Queen's first Corgis were Welsh Corgis, but later on, she also had Pembroke Welsh Corgis, which have slightly different features, like drop ears and a docked tail.

The Corgis Move into Buckingham Palace

When Elizabeth became Queen in 1952, her beloved Corgis moved into Buckingham Palace with her. Over the years, she owned more than 30 Corgis, with some even outliving her. Her last Corgi, Whisper, passed away in 2018, just a few months before the Queen's own passing.

Meet the Famous Corgis

Throughout her reign, the Queen had many notable Corgis. Let's meet a few of them!

Susan

Susan was the Queen's first Corgi as monarch. She was a gift from her parents on her 21st birthday and accompanied her on her honeymoon. Susan was known for her feisty personality and even bit the then-Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Geoffrey Fisher, during a photo shoot!

Pharos

Pharos was Susan's son and one of the Queen's favorite Corgis. He was often seen by her side during official engagements and even had his own page on the Royal website. Pharos passed away in 2016 at the age of 14.

Monty

Monty was a Corgi-Dachshund mix, known as a "Dorgi," who joined the royal family in 2006. He was a gift from the Queen's daughter, Princess Anne, and quickly became a favorite. Monty was known for his playful antics and even had his own Instagram account!

The Queen's Unique Bond with Her Corgis

The Queen's love for her Corgis was evident in the way she cared for them. She would walk them every day, even when her mobility was challenged. She also had a unique way of training them, using hand signals instead of voice commands.

Did you know? The Queen was so fond of her Corgis that she even had a special room for them at Buckingham Palace, complete with their own beds and bowls.

Corgis in Popular Culture

The Queen's love for Corgis has made them a symbol of the British monarchy. They've been featured in countless photos, paintings, and even a LEGO set! The Corgis have also inspired several books, including "The Queen's Corgis" by Karen Harper and "Corgi Diaries" by Wendy Holden.

The Legacy Continues

While the Queen may be gone, her love for Corgis lives on. Her descendants, including King Charles III, continue to keep Corgis as family pets. The current crop of royal Corgis includes Muick and Sandy, two Dorgis owned by King Charles and his wife, Camilla.

Why Corgis, Though?

So, why the Queen's enduring love for Corgis? Well, apart from their adorable appearance, Corgis are known for being intelligent, loyal, and playful. They're also great herders, which might have reminded the Queen of her love for horses and the countryside.

Corgis and the British Public

The Queen's affection for Corgis has made them a favorite among the British public too. According to a survey by the Kennel Club, Corgis were the 12th most popular breed in the UK in 2021. Many Brits have their own Corgis or support Corgi rescues and charities in honor of the Queen.

Visiting the Queen's Corgis

While we can't visit the Queen's Corgis at Buckingham Palace, there are other ways to pay tribute to these royal pups. The Corgi Memorial in the grounds of Sandringham Estate, the Queen's country retreat, is a touching tribute to her beloved dogs. You can also visit the Corgi Trust, a charity dedicated to helping Corgis in need.

Final Thoughts

From Dookie to Whisper, the Queen's Corgis have been a constant presence in her life and in the hearts of the British public. Their story is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and dogs, and a legacy that will continue to inspire dog lovers for generations to come.

So, here's to the Queen and her beloved Corgis - a love story for the ages. Until next time, dog lovers!