The Queen's Corgis: A Final Count

Guys, let's talk about Queen Elizabeth II's beloved Corgis. It's a question many of us have pondered: just how many of these charming dogs were by her side when she sadly passed away? This isn't just idle curiosity; it speaks to the deep bond the Queen shared with her canine companions, a relationship that spanned her entire reign and brought a touch of warmth and normalcy to her public life. For decades, Corgis were synonymous with the Queen, an enduring symbol of her love for animals and her down-to-earth nature. They were more than just pets; they were a constant presence, a source of comfort, and often, a touch of playful mischief in the often-stately environment of the royal household.

The Queen's passion for Pembroke Welsh Corgis began when she was just a young princess. Her father, King George VI, owned a Corgi named Dookie, and it was this dog that first introduced the young Elizabeth to the breed. Upon turning 18 in 1944, she received her first Corgi puppy, Susan, as a birthday gift. Susan became an incredibly special companion, and as the years went by, she was the foundation of every Corgi and Dorgi (a Corgi-Dachshund cross) the Queen owned thereafter. This lineage is quite remarkable, meaning that many of her dogs were direct descendants of Susan, carrying on a unique royal bloodline of Corgis! The sheer number of Corgis the Queen owned throughout her life is staggering, with estimates suggesting she had over 30 in her lifetime. Each one was carefully chosen, often given a royal name, and was a cherished member of her family. Their presence provided a unique window into the Queen's personal life, showing a softer, more intimate side to the monarch that the public rarely saw. The loyalty and simple joy these dogs offered were a stark contrast to the heavy responsibilities of her role, making them an essential part of her daily routine and emotional well-being. The enduring image of the Queen with her Corgis trotting alongside her became an iconic representation of her reign, a testament to her lifelong devotion to the breed.

So, to answer the burning question directly: at the time of Queen Elizabeth II's passing in September 2022, she had two Corgis. These two lucky pups were named Muick and Sandy. They were often seen accompanying the Queen during her walks in the grounds of Windsor Castle, providing her with companionship and a sense of normalcy during her later years. It's heartwarming to know that even in her final days, she was surrounded by the familiar, comforting presence of her beloved dogs. Their existence was a testament to the Queen's deep and abiding love for the breed, a love that began in her childhood and continued right up until the very end. The story of the Queen and her Corgis is more than just a tale of a monarch and her pets; it's a narrative of loyalty, companionship, and a shared joy that transcended the boundaries of royalty and everyday life. The image of these two Corgis, Muick and Sandy, continuing their lives at Windsor, cared for by the royal family, offers a small but significant solace to many who admired the Queen and her special connection with her dogs.

The Royal Pack: A History

When we talk about the Queen and her Corgis, we're really diving into a rich history that spans nearly 80 years. Her love affair with the breed started way back in 1933 when her father, King George VI, got his first Corgi, named Dookie. But the one who really kicked off the royal Corgi dynasty was Susan, her very own Pembroke Welsh Corgi, given to her as an 18th birthday present in 1944. Can you even imagine? An 18th birthday gift that would go on to be the ancestor of dozens of royal Corgis! Susan was so important that she even accompanied the Queen on her honeymoon. Talk about a favored canine! From Susan, a whole lineage of Corgis and even some 'Dorgis' (a delightful mix of Corgi and Dachshund) were born and raised at the royal residences. It’s estimated that Queen Elizabeth II owned over 30 Corgis and Dorgis throughout her incredible 70-year reign. That's a lot of wagging tails and happy barks filling the palaces!

These dogs weren't just ornamental; they were active participants in royal life. They had their own special quarters at Windsor Castle, complete with individual menus prepared by a royal chef. Yes, you heard that right – royal Corgis had gourmet meals! They were trained, well-cared for, and integral members of the Queen’s household. The Queen herself was known to be actively involved in their breeding and training, possessing a deep understanding of the breed's temperament and needs. It’s said she could even tell her Corgis apart just by the sound of their bark. That’s some serious Corgi expertise, guys! The relationship was so strong that the Queen reportedly took her Corgis on many of her royal tours and engagements, making them her constant companions. Their presence often broke the ice, offering a moment of lightheartedness and relatability during formal events. It was these moments, these glimpses of her personal life and affections, that made her seem more human and approachable to the public. The evolution of her Corgi pack mirrors the evolution of her reign, a constant thread of loyalty and affection weaving through the decades. The dedication to this specific breed highlights not just a personal preference, but a profound connection that brought immense joy and comfort to the monarch throughout her life.

The Legacy of the Royal Corgis

The legacy of the Queen's Corgis is undeniably profound and extends far beyond just being a monarch's pets. For 70 years, these cheerful, tenacious dogs were a constant, visible symbol of Queen Elizabeth II herself. They represented a connection to her youth, a link to her father, and a tangible expression of her personal affections in a life often defined by duty and protocol. The breed's popularity surged globally whenever the Queen was pictured with her Corgis, solidifying their image as a quintessentially British and regal, yet accessible, dog breed. Many people associate the Queen irrevocably with her Corgis, and it's hard to imagine one without the other. They were a reminder that even the most powerful and stoic figures have softer, more personal sides, and their unwavering loyalty mirrored the steadfast nature expected of the monarch.

When the Queen passed, her two remaining Corgis, Muick and Sandy, were taken in by her son, Prince Andrew, and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. This decision ensured that the dogs remained within the royal family and were cared for by people they knew and who loved them. It was a decision that brought a sense of comfort to many, knowing these particular dogs, so close to the Queen in her final years, would not be rehomed to strangers. The story of Muick and Sandy continuing their lives at Royal Lodge, Windsor, is a poignant epilogue to the Queen's lifelong relationship with her Corgis. It’s a beautiful testament to the enduring love and care that surrounded these dogs throughout their lives, a care that was initiated and cherished by the Queen herself. The presence of the Corgis, even after her passing, serves as a living memory, a furry connection to the monarch that continues to bring smiles and warmth to those who remember her. The story of the Queen's Corgis is, in essence, a story of love, loyalty, and a unique bond that will forever be etched in the annals of royal history, reminding us all of the simple joys that even the busiest of lives can hold.

Furthermore, the image of the Queen with her Corgis has become deeply embedded in popular culture. They’ve appeared in countless photographs, films, and even a memorable sketch during the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony, where the Queen appeared alongside her Corgis alongside Daniel Craig's James Bond. These moments cemented the Corgis not just as royal pets, but as cultural icons in their own right. Their playful antics and devoted companionship provided a relatable element to the Queen’s public persona, making her seem more accessible and human. The breed itself has benefited immensely from this association, with Corgis often being sought after by dog lovers worldwide who are drawn to their intelligence, lively spirit, and charming appearance, partly inspired by their royal connections. The story of the Queen's Corgis is thus a testament to the powerful bond between humans and animals, and how that bond can transcend even the highest levels of society, leaving an indelible mark on history and hearts alike. The enduring appeal of these dogs, much like the Queen's own legacy, is one of loyalty, charm, and an unwavering spirit that captured the imagination of the world.