While many elements of the days and weeks following the Queen’s passing have been planned out to a tee, royal watchers still had many questions—and naturally, that included curiosity around the fate of her famous corgis.
The Queen owned two corgis at the time of her death on September 8—one named Muik and one named Sandy, both of whom were gifted to the royal by Prince Andrew and his two daughters Eugenie and Beatrice in early 2021 and earlier this year, respectively.
Royal expert Victoria Arbiter told The Independent that while the royal family are big dog lovers, “none are particularly fond of corgis,” suggesting that there might have been some uncertainty as to who would take them in.
“The queen was definitely the lord and master and had a wonderful way with them. They were known to nip ankles of the royal family,” she continued.
Where are the Queen’s corgis now?
The Queen’s corgis now live with Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, who, despite being separated, reside together at Royal Lodge located on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Per a source who spoke to Harper’s BAZAAR, Ferguson and the Queen bonded over the pups by taking them for regular walks with them. It was also Ferguson who originally found the dogs before her ex-husband gifted them to his mother.
“The Duchess bonded with Her Majesty over dog walking and riding horses and even after her divorce, she would continue her great friendship with Her Majesty by walking the dogs in Frogmore and chatting,” the source explained.
The Queen’s love of corgis became somewhat of an iconic symbol when it came to décor and themed celebrations for the history-making Monarch. Bunting, balloons and merch often included images of the specific breed alongside the Queen.
She owned more than 30 real-life corgis over her 96 years. Per The Independant, Buckingham Palace even had a dedicated Corgi Room where they were treated like actual royals. Comfortable wicker baskets and freshly laundered sheets awaited.
“Their menu was extensive and included fresh rabbit and beef, served by a gourmet chef,” a source added.
Interestingly, when the Queen’s corgi named Monty passed away in 2012, she resolved to never get another corgi for fear of leaving it behind after her death. Alas, Prince Andrew gifted Muik to the Queen when Prince Philip became unwell in early 2021, shortly before his death. Then this year, Sandy was gifted to Her Majesty on what would have been Philip’s 100th birthday.
For more rolling coverage on Queen Elizabeth II’s death, follow the links below:
- Queen Elizabeth II Has Died: A Look Back At Her History Making Tenure
- Here’s What Happens Next In The Wake Of The Queen’s Passing
- Here’s Why Reporters Changed Into Black Outfits Before Announcing Queen Elizabeth II’s Death
- A Brief History Of Queen Elizabeth II And Her 89 Year Long Royal Clan Of Corgis
- Will Duchess Camilla Be Queen Now That Charles Is King?
- Every Time The Royal Family Have Turned To Queen Elizabeth’s Vintage Wardrobe
- The Surprising Reason The Queen Always Wore Mint Green For Special Occasions
- What Will Kate Middleton’s Title Be Now That Queen Elizabeth II Has Died?
- Everything We Know About The Queen’s Funeral So Far
- Will Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Children Be Prince Archie And Princess Lilibet Now?
- The Best (And Most Candid) Photos Of Queen Elizabeth II In Her Youth
- Her Life In Looks: Queen Elizabeth II’s Best Fashion Moments Of All Time
- Everything You Need To Know About King Charles III’s Coronation