For centuries, dogs have been more than just pets to the British Royal Family; they’ve been loyal companions, public figures, and symbols of a deeply rooted affection. This article explores the fascinating history of canine presence in royal households, from Queen Elizabeth II’s iconic corgis to the new generation of furry friends making headlines, revealing the profound bond shared across generations.
Dogs have consistently found themselves at the heart of royal life, often stealing the spotlight even when prominent members of the British Royal Family are present. These loyal companions have transcended the role of mere pets, becoming recognizable figures in their own right and embodying a long history of devotion within the royal household.
From the instantly recognizable corgis that trotted beside Queen Elizabeth II to the service dogs accompanying royals on official engagements, canines have always played a significant role. Even historical figures like King Edward VII’s wire fox terrier, Caesar, garnered public attention when he marched behind the monarch’s coffin in 1910, as highlighted by Victoria and Albert Museum. These snapshots capture more than just pets; they reveal a deep, long-standing tradition of loyalty, personality, and companionship within the royal household, a sentiment echoed by Eugene Levy after his visit to Windsor Castle with Prince William, where the Wales family dog, Orla, was present.
A Reign of Corgis: Queen Elizabeth II’s Lifelong Love Affair
No royal family member is perhaps more synonymous with dogs than Queen Elizabeth II and her beloved corgis. Her affection for the breed began in childhood, with photographs from as early as 1936 showing Princess Elizabeth with her corgi, Dookie, at 145 Piccadilly, London. This bond deepened when she received Susan, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, for her 18th birthday in 1944. Susan became the matriarch of a royal canine dynasty, with over 30 of the Queen’s corgis being descendants of this cherished pet.
Throughout her reign, the Queen was frequently photographed with her corgis at various royal residences including Balmoral Castle, Sandringham House, and Windsor Castle. She even bred a new type of dog, the “dorgi,” a cross between a dachshund and a corgi, with Candy being one notable example. Her dogs were often present during private moments, such as photographing them in Windsor Park in 1960, and also accompanied her on travels, arriving at Aberdeen airport for holidays in Balmoral with her corgis in 1974.
The profound connection between the Queen and her corgis was evident even at solemn occasions. During her committal service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, her two remaining corgis, Muick and Sandy, awaited the cortege, a poignant tribute to her lifelong passion for these charismatic dogs, as noted by Town & Country.
The Modern Royals and Their Canine Companions
The affection for dogs continues strongly with the younger generations of the Royal Family, each choosing their companions and engaging with canines in both private and public capacities.
Prince William and Kate Middleton: From Lupo to Orla
The Prince and Princess of Wales share a deep love for dogs. Their current family dog is Orla, a lively Cocker Spaniel, who famously trotted along during Prince William’s tour of Windsor Castle for an episode of The Reluctant Traveler. Orla followed in the paw prints of their first beloved English cocker spaniel, Lupo, who sadly passed away in 2020. The couple often interacts with dogs during their engagements:
- In 2025, Kate Middleton met Scout, a therapy dog, during a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where she had received cancer treatment.
- She also presented shamrocks to the Irish Guards, including their Irish Wolfhound mascot, Turlough Mór, during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2025.
- In 2014, both William and Kate held puppies during a visit to the Royal New Zealand Police College.
- Prince William was also seen happily playing with hounds at the Badminton Horse Trials in 1991.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla: Rescue Dogs and Public Greetings
King Charles III and Queen Camilla continue the royal tradition with their own cherished canine companions. Camilla is a passionate advocate for animal welfare, adopting her two Jack Russell terriers, Moley and Bluebell, from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Moley was officially pictured with the Queen ahead of her visit to the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show, following the passing of her beloved Jack Russell, Beth, the previous November.
The King often takes time to greet dogs during public engagements, showing his clear affection for animals. In 2025, he was seen chatting with a well-wisher and her dog, Connor, in Northern Ireland, who was sporting a knitted crown. Decades earlier, in 1978, as Prince Charles, he was photographed with his yellow lab, Harvey, at the Quorn Hunt Cross Country Event.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: Global Canine Ambassadors
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have also showcased their affection for dogs on the world stage. Meghan’s beagle, Guy, gained global recognition when he moved with her from Canada to the UK after her engagement to Prince Harry in 2017. Both royals have frequently engaged with service and therapy dogs, especially during the Invictus Games, a competition founded by the Duke in 2014.
- In 2023, Prince Harry greeted Teddy Bear, a dog attending a wheelchair basketball match at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf.
- The Sussexes also posed with a puppy at the Invictus Games in 2023.
- In 2019, Prince Harry petted Winnie, the head teacher’s dog, at St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School.
- Meghan Markle met a Jack Russell named Minnie during her visit to the Mayhew, an animal welfare charity of which she is a patron.
Princess Anne and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh: Supporting Working Dogs
Other prominent royals, Princess Anne and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, are also frequently seen interacting with dogs, particularly those in working roles.
- In 2025, Princess Anne visited a dog therapy department at a rehabilitation center for Ukrainian war veterans in Kyiv. She also met a protection dog during a visit to the Defense Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training Regiment in 2024.
- The Duchess of Edinburgh became the patron of The Yellow Labrador Club in April 2025, taking over the role from the late Queen Elizabeth. She has also engaged with guide dogs at Buckingham Palace garden parties and participated in puppy classes at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Training Centre.
A Historical Perspective: Dogs Through the Generations
The royal family’s connection with dogs is not a recent phenomenon but a tradition stretching back centuries. Long before the era of instant photography, dogs were integral to royal portraits and daily life.
- As early as 1867, Queen Victoria posed with her pet dog at Balmoral, setting a precedent for royal canine companionship captured for posterity.
- In 1890, Mary of Teck, the future Queen Mary, was photographed with a dog, further illustrating the enduring presence of pets in royal imagery.
- The children of King George VI and the Queen Mother, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, were taught to appreciate dogs from a very young age, as seen in photos from 1936.
- The Queen Mother herself was often pictured with her corgis, walking on the beach in Norfolk or alongside her grandchildren.
This enduring bond highlights not only a personal preference but also a cultural continuity, where dogs remain a comforting and constant presence in the lives of those who bear the weight of the crown.
Beyond Companionship: Dogs in Royal Duties and Public Life
Royal dogs are not just cherished pets; they often play roles in official engagements, whether as mascots or as examples of assistance animals. Their presence humanizes the monarchy, offering relatable moments for the public and demonstrating the royals’ support for various animal welfare and service organizations.
From the medical detection dogs like Storm, a half-Labrador, half-Golden Retriever trained to detect illnesses, to therapy dogs like Dexter, who comforted police officers and hospital staff as reported by the BBC, royal interactions with these animals underscore their importance in society. This tradition of incorporating dogs into public life reflects a broader respect for animals and their invaluable contributions.
The tradition of the British Royal Family with their dogs is a captivating narrative that weaves through history, showcasing a blend of personal affection and public representation. From the iconic corgis of Queen Elizabeth II to the rescue dogs of Queen Camilla and the working canines embraced by Prince William and Kate Middleton, these loyal companions remain an integral and endearing part of the royal legacy. Their presence not only brings joy to the royals but also resonates deeply with a global audience, symbolizing comfort, loyalty, and a touch of relatable warmth within the grandeur of monarchy.
