Queen Elizabeth II reigned for 70 years, making her the British monarch with the longest reign. She died at the age of 96, surrounded by her loved ones, including her beloved pets.
The Queen has always been fond of horses and dogs, and they remained an important part of her life throughout her reign. They were her first love. She found time to ride her loyal horses and was often seen at horse events or in the park with her dogs.
As the world mourns her majesty, we thought we would travel back in time to see when the Queen first fell in love with horses and when corgis first entered her home.
Her fetish for corgis
The corgis or dorgis (the combination of corgi and dachshunds) was always on the side of Queen Elizabeth – usually more than one. Her Majesty admired the short-legged breeds and got her first corgi, Susan, on her 18th birthday.
Her love for dogs, like her love for horses, lasted all her life. I have owned more than 30 dogs and have made sure that they are all well behaved. She even created a specific feeding schedule in which the eldest dog is fed first, followed by others in order of seniority.
"When she talks about her dogs or horses, you see a completely different side to her,"said Dr. Roger Mogford, an animal psychologist who has dealt with dog behavior issues at Buckingham Palace for the past 20 years. She's relaxing. Dogs are great levels and are not affected by social status, which should be a great comfort for them. It is not surprising that she enjoys being around them.”
According to Newsweek magazine, she left behind two corgis named muik and Sandy, a Dorje named Candy, and two cocker spaniel.
All her cherished pets will be taken care of by the family and staff.
The Queen's horses
When she was four years old, she got her first horse, a Shetland pony named Peggy. She continued to ride after successfully learning how to stay on a pony and was an expert rider by the age of 18.
Her love for horses never faded and became stronger over time. She has owned and bred many horses over the years. She gave each one a unique name and adored them all. Some, though, had a special place in my heart. In 2020, horse and hound published an exclusive story highlighting the Queen's favorites.
She also enjoyed riding in the annual color troops concert in which she participated as a princess for the first time in 1947.
The royal family shared a photo of the Queen with two of her horses on Facebook before her 96th birthday, writing: "the Queen first organized in 1943, attended every single Royal Windsor Horse Show".”
Even in her later years, she continued to ride a bicycle.
End of an era
The royal family was informed of the Queen's death, and King Charles III stated, "the death of my dear Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a time of deep sadness for me and all my family members."We are deeply saddened by the death of his beloved sovereign and mother. I know that her death will be deeply felt throughout the country, the worlds, and the Commonwealth, as well as by many people all over the world. During this time of loss and transition, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by the knowledge that the Queen has held in such high regard and affection.”
Flowers were laid at Buckingham Palace and other royal residences. People can also write messages in condolence books online. Visit the royal website for more information about her funeral and grieving procedure.
Many people admired the determination, grace and love of animals of Queen Elizabeth II. She will be sorely missed.