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Queen was ‘hands-on’ corgi owner who used porcelain and silver bowls, says former dog trainer

The then Princess Elizabeth playing with her pet Corgi as a child in the 1930s. (Getty Images)
Princess Elizabeth playing with her pet corgi as a child in the 1930s. (Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth's former corgi trainer has revealed the life of luxury enjoyed by her pampered pups and the extreme dedication she showed to them.

Her pack of nine corgis "were like family to her" Dr. Roger Mugford told Newsweek, adding "it was clear" to him that "the Queen was the person who determined everything that went on with her corgis."

A committed animal-lover, the welfare of her dogs was of the utmost importance to the Queen and she was every bit the "hands-on owner" and "did not delegate decision making about them to anyone else."

He divulged that "Her Majesty would supervise when and where her corgis were fed."

However, it wasn't "standard dog bowls" used by the Queen's corgis. Instead, they ate from bowls "made of china, porcelain, and silver."

The Royal Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret (1930 - 2002) at the windows of the Royal Welsh House with two Corgi dogs, June 1936.  (Photo by Lisa Sheridan/Studio Lisa/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret at the Royal Welsh House with two corgi dogs, in 1936. (Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II of England at Balmoral Castle with one of her Corgis, 28th September 1952. UPI color slide.
Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle with one of her corgis, 1952. (Getty Images)

"There was no commercial dog food in sight," Mugford added when describing the mealtime he had seen. Instead the lucky dogs "were fed recipes that Her Majesty herself would determine."

This "included homeopathic vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure their health and longevity."

Mugford’s first encounter with the late Queen's pack of corgis came in 1983, when he was asked by a veterinarian to help out with some behavioural issues in the pack.

Mugford said initially he felt "nervous, anxious and humbled" to be attending the Queen and her beloved pets, but that she "immediately put [him] at ease."

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 15:  Queen Elizabeth II arrives at King's Cross railway station in London 15 October 1969 with her four dogs of Corgis breed after holidays in Balmoral Castle in Scotland and before welcoming at Buckingham Palace US astronauts of Apollo 11 who walked on the Moon.  (Photo credit should read STF/AFP via Getty Images)
Queen Elizabeth II at King's Cross, London in 1969 with her four of her corgis. (Getty Images)
The Queen was delighted to play with a well wisher's corgi in Welshpool, 2010. (Getty Images)
The Queen was delighted to play with a well wisher's corgi in Welshpool, 2010. (Getty Images)

The late Queen was known to love corgis ever since she was a little girl, enjoying the companionship of the breed for most of her life.

The Queen’s hands-on approach even included picking up her dogs’ mess, Mugford adds.

The nine corgis that Mugford encountered was a lot for anyone - even a royal with staff at her disposal - to manage. Mugford revealed that he "did hint" to the Queen "that having nine dogs in a single pack, unless constantly supervised [...] was too many." The late Queen "rather cuttingly responded to [him] 'Dr. Mugford, Prince Philip has already told me that I have too many dogs. If I wanted advice of that sort I could have saved your fee.'"

The Queen, sitting on a grassy bank with the corgis, at Virginia Water to watch competitors, including Prince Philip in the Marathon of the European Driving Championship, part of the Royal Windsor Horse Show.   (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images)
The Queen in the 1970s playing with some of her corgis, in Windsor. (Getty Images)
Two of the pet corgis of Queen Elizabeth II being carried from an airplane by the pilot and a bodyguard, as the Royal Family return to London from Balmoral, England, October 18th 1983. (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
Two the Queen's corgis being carried from an airplane by members of staff in 1983. (Getty Images)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - DECEMBER 08:  Joined By One Of Her Pet Dorgis The Queen Poses With The England Rugby Squad At Buckingham Palace To Celebrate The Rugby World Cup Win. Front Row (l-r): Matt Dawson, Paul Grayson, Dorian West, Lawrence Dallaglio, Martin Johnson, Her Majesty, Clive Woodward, Jonny Wilkinson, Neil Back, Phil Vickery And Kyran Bracken.   Back Row (l-r): Jason Robinson,  Julian White, Trevor Woodman, Steve Thompson, Mike Catt, Iain Balshaw, Dan Luger, Stuart Abbott, Andy Gomarsall, Josh Lewsey And Jason Leonard. Centre Row ( L-r): Mike Tindall, Ben Cohen, Joe Worsley, Martin Corry, Ben Kay, Danny Grewcock, Will Greenwood, Lewis Moody, Richard Hill, Mark Regan And Simon Shaw.  (Photo by Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty Images)
One of the Queen's beloved dogs runs into a picture with the England Rugby Team, London, 2008. (Getty Images)

At the time of her death, Queen Elizabeth had only two corgis remaining, Sandy and Muick. The two dogs were reportedly given to her by her son, the Duke of York last year. The idea was to cheer the Queen up as her husband, Prince Philip, was unwell at the time.

Now, Sandy and Muick will return to Prince Andrew's care, and live at Royal Lodge with him. Movingly, they made an appearance at the State Funeral.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is greeted by local corgi enthusiasts as she departs the Legislature Building.   (Photo by Fiona Hanson - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)
The Queen looks thrilled to meet local corgis during a visit to Canada in 2002. (Getty Images)

As the coffin was processed to St. George's Chapel for the Committal Service, staff brought them outside to say one last goodbye to their owner.

Prince William is reported as having said to mourners queuing to see Queen Elizabeth's coffin whilst she was lying-in-state that Sandy and Muick are likely to be "spoiled rotten" in their new home.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: The corgis of Queen Elizabeth II, Muick and Sandy seen in the grounds before the Committal Service for Queen Elizabeth II held at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on September 19, 2022 in Windsor, England. The committal service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, took place following the state funeral at Westminster Abbey. A private burial in The King George VI Memorial Chapel followed. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. (Photo by Jonathan Buckmaster - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Muick and Sandy outside Windsor Castle as the procession to the Committal Service took place. (Getty Images)