England has a long history. So do the royal dogs. The English royalty have always been a fan of pups. Here is a brief history of their popularity in the land of pubs and Yorkshire pudding.
Queen Elizabeth II, the reigning royal herself, is a known Corgi lover. She grew up with the breed from an early age. Since then, she has owned 30 Corgis while on the throne. The last of her Corgis, Willow passed away this spring. She lived to a healthy old age, of fourteen.
Her love of Corgis began when King George VI brought a pup home, named “Dookie.” Later, many of her Corgis were born from her dog “Susan,” a gift from the Queen Mother on Elizabeth’s 18th birthday. She’s now refused to take on anymore, wishing not to leave one of her beloved dogs behind.
The monarch before her, Queen Victoria had a big love of dogs. Her King Charles Spaniel, “Dash,” was with her in the youth of her reign. Dash had been her mother’s dog, gifted to her years later on her 13th birthday. The two had grown close, Victoria was never seen without him. He lived through her accession as queen, and died a few years later in 1840.
Going further still in history, King Edward VII had a beloved terrier, “Caesar.” He would sit on a chair beside the king’s bed. The court donned a name for the royal dog, “Stinky.” While his dog tag read, “I am Caesar. I belong to the king.” The two shared a happy life together, until the king passed in 1910. Caesar led the procession behind his masters coffin.
Currently, Kate Middleton and Prince William have a cocker spaniel named “Lupo.” He was a wedding present from Kate’s brother, James. The family is often photographed together. A four-book series, by Aby King, was published telling of Lupo amidst adventure. The first book, published in 2014,The Adventures of Lupo the Royal Dog: The Secret of Windsor Castle.
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Meghan Markle, the newlywed Duchess of Sussex, is a true dog lover. A spokesperson for adoption, and coaxed by Ellen DeGeneres, Meghan chose to adopt a mixed Lab/German Shepherd, “Bogart.” Shortly after, she believed Bogart could use a companion, this is when she adopted “Gus,” her beagle. Since married, Gus has moved in with Meghan and Prince Henry in their cottage at Kensington palace. Bogart was unable to move from Canada due to his old age. Not only do her dogs love her, but so did Queen Elizabeth II’s dogs. They took to her right away. Sorry, Harry.
The couple welcomed another dog in August. Rumored to be a Labrador Retriever. We know the dog will make a family out of the glowing couple. The dog will live in the palace and their country home in the Cotswolds.
We could only dream of being treated half as good as the dogs of the royal family. Lavish parties, fame, and the love of kings and queens. Well that’s just the life of a royal dog, grand and beloved.