Royal Experts Discuss The Queen’s Corgis’ Change In Ownership That Many Didn’t Suspect

Certain aspects of Queen Elizabeth II’s life were naturally kept out of the spotlight, but her love of dogs wasn’t one of them. She absolutely adored her corgis, and she wasn’t afraid to show it! But having said that, the late British monarch’s passion for canines goes back much further than you may think. In fact, her deep-rooted affection has continued to have an impact on the animals even after her passing.

How it all started...

When did this love affair with dogs begin, then? Well, it happened long before Elizabeth was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom. The year was 1933, and little Elizabeth was just a seven-year-old princess enjoying a childhood in the royal lap of luxury. One day, though, the future monarch had a surprising request for her mom and dad. And so, before long, her father, the Duke of York, embarked on a mission to give his young princess the one thing she so desired.

After noticing that friends of the family owned a corgi, Elizabeth set her sights on acquiring a dog of her very own. Not wanting to disappoint his young daughter, the Duke of York then started to look around to find the perfect dog breeder. 

Searching for a breeder

The Duke's search ultimately led him to Surrey, England, where he met a woman by the name of Thelma Gray. And as you'd expect, she was a woman who held an impeccable reputation in the breeding community. Anyway, once the Duke outlined his daughter’s wishes, Gray went on to select three Pembroke corgis living at her kennel. From there, she took the dogs to his family home so they could pick out which one to adopt.

In the end, the royals were won over by a tiny pooch who went by the name of Rozavel Golden Eagle. But their decision wasn’t only influenced by his cute appearance!