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Queen Elizabeth II

The Queen rules against introducing new dogs to the Royal household

It’s a familiar sight to see The Queen with a Corgi or two at her side, though that could soon become a thing of the past as Her Majesty has ruled out introducing any new dogs to her household. The Queen no longer replaces her beloved pets when they die because she fears, as she gets older, she could trip over them causing herself a serious injury.

The Corgis were first introduced to the Royal circle by King George VI and The Queen has had over 30 of the breed, all of whom were descended from Susan, a Pembroke given to her as an 18th birthday present. Currently Her Majesty has two Corgis, Willow and Holly and two ‘Dorgis’ Candy and Vulcan.

Though The Queen already has four dogs, her Granddaughter Princess Beatrice recently asked her Grandmother if she would like two of her own Norfolk terriers, born to her own dog Ginger last year. The Queen subsequently turned down Beatrice’s offer and a senior courtier explained why, “The Queen thought it was a lovely offer but she politely declined. The fact is she worries about too many dogs around her feet and the danger she will trip up and hurt herself badly. She is after all 88 and not getting any younger.”

Although Her Majesty is down to just the four dogs, she does still enjoy horse riding and carries out hundreds of engagements a year so for anyone worrying that this is the sign of a retiring Queen, think again.

The courtier continued, “Her Corgis are getting on a bit and move along at a sedate speed but a young dog would obviously be very lively and much more active. Her main fear is if she fell and broke her arm or even a leg she would not be able to perform her duties for many weeks if not months, and that would upset her greatly.”

She may not be replacing her four-legged friends but as far as The Queen is concerned they can do no wrong and it is believed Her Majesty even feeds them fillet steak and chicken breast, not your typical dogs dinner!

Featured Photo Credit: Royal Photography by Paul Ratclffe