Rest in Peace, Your Majesty

TEXT: RHIANNON CECIL

THE QUEEN AND HER CORGIS

The whole world has been rocked by the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. She was known worldwide for her service to her country and unfailing commitment to her people, but also for her love of animals, great and small. In this issue, we examine her long-standing relationship with the indomitable Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

If it weren't for the Queen's time-honoured relationship with this sturdy little breed, they would not be nearly as popular as they are today, and her unwavering love for them has left an imprint on the hearts of many.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

So, how did the Queen fall in love with the breed in the first place? The answer is actually simple and a tale we can all relate to. In 1933, when young Elizabeth was a mere seven years old, some friends had a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and pretty quickly, she began to want one too. Though the breed was quite prevalent in their home country of Wales, they were still fairly new in England, but young Elizabeth fell in love, and her journey with the breed began.

Elizabeth convinced her parents, and they contacted a breeder by the name of Thelma Gray, who brought them a selection of puppies from her kennels in Surrey, England. It must have been a tough choice, but the little Princess eventually settled on a puppy with the mighty name Rozavel Golden Eagle. She chose him because he had the longest of short tails, and the family wanted to know when he was happy. He quickly became known as Dookie and wasn't all the family bargained for.

In fact, he was a tiny terror, regularly nipping visitors and causing havoc amongst the nobility. Yet, despite his 'large' personality, he was an absolute hit, and the family photos launched the breed into superstardom. Predictably, it wasn't long before another puppy, Lady Jane, arrived from the same breeder. The love between the young Princess and her corgis inspired a children's book, and registrations at the kennel club continued to climb.

On her eighteenth birthday in 1944, the Queen received a corgi all of her own, known as Susan. All the corgis she's had since have been descendants of Susan.

THE LIFE OF A ROYAL CORGI

During her reign, Queen Elizabeth kept her corgis in a manner befitting of their station as royal dogs. Here are some glimpses into the life of a Royal Corgi: • The Royal Corgis are very much part of the family and sleep in the house. They had their own room in

Buckingham Palace. • They slept on wicker beds and were given fresh sheets daily. • The royal chef prepared daily meals for them. • Her Majesty tailored their meals according to their age and specific health needs. • They are driven by chauffeurs, and a royal aide carries them off the plane whenever they travel. • It has been reported that the Corgis also received

Christmas stockings stuffed with treats over the holidays.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE QUEEN'S CORGIS NOW?

Though reports are unconfirmed, the latest news seems to be that the Duke and Duchess of York will adopt the pups.

Rest in Peace, Your Majesty. Thank you for all you have done for your people and also for animals all over the world.