Queen’s love of corgis shared by Montrealers: ‘They are beautiful little puppies’
Posted September 11, 2022 8:39 pm.
Last Updated September 11, 2022 8:42 pm.
Nearly 300 corgi dogs filled the streets of Montreal over the weekend – just days after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
For many people around the world, the monarch will forever be linked to corgis.
Stubby, fluffy little dogs with a high-pitched bark, corgis were the late queen’s constant companions since she was a child.
She owned nearly 30 throughout her life, and they enjoyed a life of privilege fit for a royal pet.
Days after the Queen’s passing, hundreds of corgis marched down Sainte-Catherine Street for a “corgi pawty.”
“I think it demonstrates that Her Majesty had wonderful tastes,” said Glenn Castanheira, the executive director of the downtown merchants’ association. “I think although this parade was based on Queen Elizabeth, clearly her good taste was contagious and has spread.
“They are beautiful little puppies.”
The Queen’s influence was evident in Montreal. One parade participant, Ashley Rosenberger, named her corgi Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth.
“I’ve loved her my entire life,” said Rosenberger of the British monarch. “I’m a huge history buff. And there’s no one better to dig in with history than the royal family. And then I discovered what corgis were because of the queen. So I truly believe I wouldn’t have my Queen Elizabeth if I didn’t see the real Queen Elizabeth with hers.”
Elizabeth’s love for corgis began in 1933 when her father, King George VI, brought home a Pembroke Welsh corgi they named Dookie. Images of a young Elizabeth walking the dog outside their lavish London home would be the first among many to come over the decades.
When she was 18 she was given another and named it Susan, the first in a long line of corgis to come. Later there were dorgis – a dachshund and corgi crossbreed – owned by the queen. Eventually they came to accompany her in public appearances, and became part of her persona.
Throughout Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne, the corgis were by her side, accompanying her on official tours, reportedly sleeping in their own room at Buckingham Palace with daily sheet changes, and occasionally nipping the ankles of the odd visitor or royal family member.
Elizabeth’s death last week has raised public concerns over who will care for her beloved dogs. Some speculate they will be sent off to live with other royal family members, while others say this task might be given to palace staff.
—With files from Brittany Henriques and The Associated Press
