The Queen's Corgis: Who Will Take Care of Them Now?

The Queen of England's passing has left the world devastated, and so does her two beloved dogs.

At the age of 96, Queen Elizabeth II died in Balmoral Castle, leaving her two corgis behind. Many people wonder "Who will take care of them now?"

According to the Independent UK, a spokesperson for Prince Andrew said the Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York, will become the new owners of Muick and Sandy, Queen Elizabeth II's beloved corgis. The late Queen, known to be a big fan of the breed, owned more than 30 corgis during her lifetime. Corgi Muick was gifted to the monarch in 2021 along with the deceased dorgi Fergus while the Queen was staying in Windsor during lockdown to keep her entertained.

Weeks after she received him, the five-month-old Fergus passed, shortly after Prince Philip also died. Andrew and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie replaced him with a new corgi puppy for her 95th birthday, who the Queen named Sandy.

A 'Constant Source of Joy'

According to The Telegraph, the Duchess "bonded" with the late monarch over dog walks. A source close to Prince Andrew said: "The duchess bonded with Her Majesty over dog-walking and riding horses and even after her divorce, she would continue her great friendship with Her Majesty, by walking the dogs in Frogmore and chatting."

Personal Assistant and Senior Dresser to Queen Elizabeth II Angela Kelly said the puppies were a constant source of joy.

For the first time since his father's memorial service in March this year, Prince Andrew appeared in the public eye on Saturday to attend a prayer service paying tribute to the Queen at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral, alongside his daughters and other members of the royal family, the Independent UK reported.

"We've been allowed one day, now we start the process of handing [the Queen] on," he said in a short speech, thanking people for visiting Balmoral. "It's nice to see you, thank you for coming."

Queen's Most Prized Possessions

In 2021, corgis were welcomed back into the Queen's household to keep her company while her husband Prince Philip was hospitalized. She was given two puppies, which she named Fergus and Muick, both names holding special meaning.

Muick was named after a favorite spot near the Queen's summer retreat of Balmoral Castle, and Fergus after an uncle she never knew, her mother's brother, Fergus Bowes-Lyon, who was killed in World War I in 1915. Fergus tragically died just two months later of a heart defect.

Despite her wishes that no new dogs be added to her home after one of her last corgis died in 2012 because "she didn't want to leave any young dog behind," Her Majesty left behind the dogs when she passed away.

"The royal family is a family of dog lovers, though none are particularly fond of corgis," said Royal correspondent Victoria Arbiter. "The Queen was definitely the lord and master and had a wonderful way with them. They were known to nip ankles of the royal family."

"All of the Queen's children would welcome them with open arms," she added.