A Royal Affair: Queen Elizabeth II and Her Beloved Corgis

When one thinks of Queen Elizabeth II, several iconic images come to mind: the crown, the waving hand, and of course, her faithful Pembroke Welsh Corgis trotting by her side. For over eight decades, these short-legged, long-bodied companions were as much a part of the Queen's public image as her colorful hats and pearls. But the relationship between Elizabeth II and her corgis was far more than just a royal quirk or a clever PR strategy. It was a genuine, lifelong love affair that spanned her entire reign and left an indelible mark on both the monarchy and popular culture.

In this article, we'll explore the fascinating history of Queen Elizabeth II's royal corgis, from the first pup that captured her heart to the lasting legacy they've left behind. We'll delve into the Queen's breeding program, the luxurious lives led by these royal canines, and the unexpected ways in which they influenced not just the British monarchy, but the entire world's perception of this beloved breed. So, let's embark on this royal journey and discover why these corgis were truly fit for a queen.

The Beginning of a Royal Canine Legacy

For over seven decades, Queen Elizabeth II reigned not just over the United Kingdom, but also over a dynasty of adorable, short-legged canines known as Pembroke Welsh Corgis. This royal love affair began in 1933 when a young Princess Elizabeth, aged just seven, received her first corgi named Dookie. Little did anyone know that this furry gift would spark a lifelong passion that would become synonymous with the Queen's public image.

Susan: The Matriarch of the Royal Corgi Lineage

The true matriarch of the royal corgi lineage was Susan - a special 18th birthday present given to Elizabeth in 1944. Susan became the foundation of the Queen's renowned breeding program, with most of her subsequent corgis tracing their ancestry back to this beloved pet.

A Reign of Corgis

Throughout her unprecedented 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth owned more than 30 corgis, ensuring that at least one of these charming companions was by her side from 1933 until her passing in 2022 (with a brief corgi-less interlude from 2018 to 2021).

The Royal Breeding Program

The Queen's dedication to the breed went beyond mere ownership; she developed a stellar breeding program that garnered respect from established breeders worldwide.

Life as a Royal Corgi

Luxury Fit for a Queen's Best Friend

Life as a royal corgi was nothing short of luxurious. These pampered pooches enjoyed their own room at Buckingham Palace, aptly named "the corgi room," complete with elevated baskets for sleeping and gourmet meals prepared by a personal chef. Talk about living like royalty!

What's in a Name?

The Queen's creativity shone through in her choice of names for her furry friends. From traditional monikers to more whimsical ones, her corgis bore an eclectic mix of names including Monty, Holly, Willow, Vulcan, Candy, Sugar, Foxy, Bushy, Honey, Whisky, and even Bisto Oxo. One can only imagine the palace staff calling out "Bisto Oxo, dinner time!"

The Accidental Creation of "Dorgis"

In a delightful twist of canine fate, the Queen also became an accidental creator of a new mixed breed. When one of her corgis decided to fraternize with Princess Margaret's dachshund, the result was a "dorgi" - a charming corgi-dachshund mix that the Queen embraced with equal affection.

The Global Impact of the Queen's Corgis

The Queen's love for corgis extended far beyond the palace walls, significantly boosting the breed's popularity worldwide. These royal pups became media darlings, gracing magazine covers and even making a surprise appearance in the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony alongside their famous owner.

The End of an Era

As with all good things, the Queen's corgi era came to an end. She welcomed her final litter in 2003, choosing to cease breeding but continuing to cherish her existing pets. At the time of her passing in 2022, she was survived by two loyal corgis, Sandy and Muick - gifts from her granddaughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

The Legacy Lives On

The legacy of the Queen's corgis lives on, not just in the memories of royal watchers, but in the care of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, who took in the Queen's last corgis after her death. These lucky pups now reside at Royal Lodge, carrying on the royal corgi tradition.

Conclusion: More Than Just Pets

From Dookie to Sandy and Muick, Queen Elizabeth II's corgis were more than just pets. They were confidants, companions, and unwitting ambassadors of the crown. They helped soften the Queen's public image, offering glimpses of her warmer, more personal side. In the end, these loyal corgis became as much a part of Queen Elizabeth II's legacy as her crown jewels - a testament to the enduring bond between humans and their four-legged friends, even in the most regal of households.