The British monarchy has a rich and fascinating history, full of scandals, love stories, power struggles and… dogs! Today, Corgis are often seen as the dog of choice among Royals, but over the years, many dogs, from pet Fox Terriers to Greyhounds, have played and snuggled with Dukes, Queens, Princes, and Princesses.
Since the 17th century, royal family portraits of their four family members have appeared. In this painting from 1635, the three eldest boys of King Charles I are kept by King Charles Spaniels.
The King Charles Spaniel breed was popularized by King Charles II (the little boy in the above panel). Sources claim that he was rarely seen without a pug or two on his heels, and that he even wrote a decree stating that King Charles Spaniels were allowed in any public place, including the Houses of Parliament. From the panel below, it appears he bonds with puppies at an early age.
As the decades went by, the world was certainly changing rapidly, but the Royals’ love of dogs (and love to include them in their photos) has lived on. Fourteen-year-old Queen Victoria stands out with her playful (and historical sources confirm, her favourite) King Charles Spaniel, Dash.
Circa 1843, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert pose here with one of her nine children and four virgin (literally) pups — a greyhound, Eos, and three sky dogs, Islay, Cairnach and Dandie Dinmont.
Queen Victoria had ruled for nearly 64 years, the longest in British history. Throughout this time, her love for the young Sanahiya seems to have remained steadfast. He is quoted as saying, “If it is not the honest faces of dogs, we must forget the very existence of sincerity.” Well said, Queen!
As the people mourned the loss of King Edward VII, Caesar’s fervent loyalty won the hearts of all who witnessed the funeral procession. The tsar, ahead of the chiefs and other dignitaries, calmly followed the coffin of his beloved master.
While King Edward VIII caused quite a scandal after falling for American socialite Wallis Simpson and eventually abdicating, he looks pretty innocent here with his dog, Sammy.
Princess Elizabeth (the current Queen) and Princess Margaret—daughters of the Duke and Duchess of York (AKA King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother)—as young as they were—also had their fair share of dogs.
Below, Princess Margaret is carrying Choo-Choo, a gray and white Tibetan lion.
King George VI is responsible for introducing the Corgis into the royal family. In 1933, Dookie was brought home from a local kennel. Dokie instantly won the hearts of his daughters and was described as having “unquestionably the sweetest canine family character in princesses”.
Below, family bonds with the puppies in the Girls’ Playhouse. Franchising sure has its perks…
By now, people all over the world know about Queen Elizabeth’s love for corgis. There is even an entire Wikipedia page dedicated to them. It’s really no surprise that her love for Corgis began at such a young age. Prepare yourself for some major cuteness.
Not only were dogs parts of her childhood, they grew up with her. Below is another family photo that features several of the four members posing for the camera.
When Queen Elizabeth had a family of her own, dogs continued to play a prominent role and command everyone’s attention, as documented below.
It only makes sense that Queen Elizabeth’s children would grow up surrounded by pups. Prince Charles poses here with his grandmother and of course a puppy.
Although Queen Elizabeth’s hat is adorable, these corgis claim the title for the cutest accessory.
All over the world, the Queen is often greeted by fellow Corgi enthusiasts. According to the official website of the British monarchy, at present the Queen has two Corgis – Willow and Holly – and two Dorgis – Candy and Vulcan. The puppies travel with the queen to her different homes so she takes care of herself as best she can.
Below is the next generation of royal puppy lovers – Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Charles, William and their cutest, most photogenic puppy.
Teenage Prince Harry hangs out with pals Rosie and Ginny.
Here Prince Harry is showing his support for an organization called Help for the Champions that trains assistance dogs.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (or the more casual Katie and Will) are happily keeping up the tradition of having one of the four royals. Born in 2011, Lupo, a black Cocker Spaniel, was adopted from a breeding breed by Kate Middleton’s mother.
