The Royal Corgis: A Legacy of Love and Luxury
Queen Elizabeth's lifelong love for corgis began in 1933 when her father gifted her a corgi named Dookie. This initial introduction led to a deep bond with the breed, with the Queen caring for over 30 dogs throughout her life. The corgis became synonymous with Queen Elizabeth and were featured in tributes and artwork honoring her, including a commemorative coin released for her Golden Jubilee in 2002. They even made a cameo in a playful short film during the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony.
The Queen's devotion to her corgis was evident in her daily routine, which revolved around their care. Photographer Annie Leibovitz captured this bond in a portrait taken at Windsor Castle, showing the Queen walking with her dogs. Following Queen Elizabeth's passing in September 2022, the whereabouts of her famous companions Sandy and Muick became a topic of interest.
Queen Elizabeth's corgi family lineage traces back to Susan, whom she received as a gift for her 18th birthday. Susan gave birth to Honey and Sugar, expanding the corgi family tree to include numerous dogs. The Queen's preference for corgis with darker red coats and minimal white markings became well-known among those close to her, reflecting her specific taste in the breed's features.
The royal corgis lived a life of luxury under Queen Elizabeth's care, enjoying a varied menu of beef, lamb, rabbit, and chicken prepared by the royal chef. During the holiday season, the corgis joined the Queen at her estate at Sandringham, where they each had their own stocking filled by Her Majesty. The dogs also had a special room in the Queen's private quarters with raised wicker baskets lined with cushions for their comfort.
Despite their pampered lifestyle, the royal corgis were not without their share of scandals. In 1968, a corgi nipped a postman at Balmoral Castle, leading to a suggestion for a "Beware of the Dog" sign. In 1999, a footman at Buckingham Palace allegedly added alcohol to the corgis' food and water bowls as a prank, resulting in a reprimand from the palace.