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Abigail King, author of the new
series, has her own cocker spaniel called Lily, whom she walks in
Kensington Gardens, where the Royal dog Lupo is also exercised,
inspiring her new book. Lupo is not the only recognisable character
in the books: Prince George, his nanny, The Queen, and William and
Kate all appear as part of the story.
Mrs King’s first book bears the
blurb:
“Lupo is out for a walk with Nanny and
the Prince in Kensington Gardens when he is lured into the web of a
terrible crime. Cyrus the swan has been attacked, and some precious
royal treasure stolen. Lupo is innocent but his reputation is in
tatters. Can he prove his innocence? Meanwhile, his rival, Vulcan
the corgi is plotting to take over the realm.
Animals take sides in a classic battle
of good versus evil, involving journeys through underground
tunnels, down the hallowed corridors of historic palaces, and in
the staterooms of the most important people of the land. At the
heart of this story is the loyal bond between Lupo and the baby
prince.”
Vulcan is also a real pet of the
Queen’s, a ‘Dorgi’ (Corgi-Daschund cross); this characterisation
may not be far from the truth as Her Majesty’s dogs have been given
a reputation for biting at guest’s ankles at Buckingham Palace.
Lupo was also not taken to Sandringham for the Christmas break as
it was thought the corgis wouldn’t like his presence after
The Queen’s corgis attacked and bit Max, Princess Beatrice’s
dog, who almost lost an ear in the fight.
King’s agent, Vicki Field said: ‘It is a really exciting and imaginative children’s book that draws its reader into the imaginary world of Lupo, the royal dog.
‘Abigail has included fleeting references to the Duke, Duchess and Prince George as well as other members of the royal family, but the focus is very much on the animals of the Royal Household – dogs, corgis, cats, mice and the like. We are very excited about the project.’
The 224 page book will not be the
end of Lupo’s journey, as Hodder Children’s Books has acquired the
series. Trademarks are also being taken against ‘Lupo’ for
merchandise like cuddly toys and board games for
children. More books are scheduled to be released in
2015.
The book can be pre-ordered here.
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