Queen Elizabeth II’s affection for corgis has left an indelible mark on the royal family’s legacy, beginning with her first dog, Dookie, brought home by her father, King George VI, in 1933. Throughout her lifetime, which spanned over 96 years, the late monarch welcomed more than 30 corgis and corgi mixes into her household, creating a unique bond that defined her personal life as well as her public image.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Queen-Elizabeth-II-Corgis-01_090822-f19bce01645449d9b8bb45091323e1cc.jpg)
Her passion for this breed did not simply flourish in the confines of Buckingham Palace; it became emblematic of her reign and personality. The corgi became a recurring theme in various tributes and artworks dedicated to the Queen. Notably, in 2002, to mark her Golden Jubilee, the UK issued a commemorative coin depicting the Queen alongside one of her beloved pets. This powerful imagery depicted the loyal companions as a reflection of Queen Elizabeth herself.
Corgis also enjoyed a moment in the international limelight during the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony. A whimsical short film featured the Queen, portrayed by actress Judi Dench, being escorted to the event by Daniel Craig in the guise of James Bond, with her corgis providing an amusing cameo that captivated viewers worldwide.
Queen Elizabeth’s daily routine often revolved around her dogs. The late monarch was known for taking them on regular walks, a practice that was highlighted by photographer Annie Leibovitz after her passing in September 2022. Leibovitz shared a poignant photograph of the Queen with her dogs at Windsor Castle, reinforcing the deep connection the monarch shared with her furry companions.
Her love for corgis emerged during her childhood, particularly when Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, befriended Dookie and later, Jane, during World War II. The arrival of Susan, a corgi gifted to Elizabeth for her 18th birthday, marked the beginning of a substantial royal corgi lineage. Susan gave birth to numerous puppies, further expanding the family tree that constituted the Queen’s collection of dogs.
Elizabeth’s fondness for corgis included an appreciation for their unique characteristics. According to Diana King, former chair of the Welsh Corgi League, the Queen preferred her dogs to possess darker red coats with minimal white markings. King recounted a time when her own corgi caught the Queen’s attention—indicating that the monarch noticed and even critiqued the appearance of others’ dogs with a discernible sense of taste.
Living under the reign of a beloved monarch undoubtedly conferred privileges upon her corgis. They dined on lavish meals curated by former royal chef Darren McGrady, who disclosed that their menu included beef, lamb, rabbit, and chicken. The corgis had an elite status, each receiving a stocking filled by the Queen during the festive season, and were allowed to lounge in specially designed wicker baskets within her private quarters.
Despite their royal status, the corgis were not without controversy. In 1968, one of the Queen’s dogs reportedly nipped at a postman, leading to a suggestion from politician Peter Doig for a warning sign at Balmoral. Moreover, in an incident that shocked many, a footman was allegedly reprimanded for adding alcohol to the dogs’ meals as part of a misguided joke.
As her reign drew to a close, Queen Elizabeth decided to cease adding to her corgi family, aiming to avoid the heartache of leaving any dog behind upon her passing. Nevertheless, in March 2021, she welcomed two new puppies, Sandy and Muick, just before the death of her husband, Prince Philip. Following the Queen’s death in September 2022, these corgis were entrusted to Prince Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, ensuring they remained part of the royal family.
Currently, the Queen’s three surviving dogs—a cocker spaniel named Lissy and the two Pembroke Welsh corgis, Sandy and Muick—lead a life of comfort. Sandy and Muick have settled with Prince Andrew at his Marsh Farm residence on the Sandringham estate, while Lissy remains with her trainer, Ian Openshaw, who is said to have provided ongoing care for the cocker spaniel.
Queen Elizabeth’s relationship with her corgis not only showcases a personal bond with her canine companions but has also contributed to the rich tapestry of British royal history. The legacy of her love for these dogs will undoubtedly endure, reminding the public of her devotion and the joy they brought to her life.