Queen Elizabeth has opened her heart to a few more corgis during a difficult time in her life.
While the Queen was worrying about her 99-year-old husband, Prince Philip, being hospitalized for the last month, she decided to welcome two new corgis to the royal family. The new dogs, first reported by The Sun, are alleged to have been a big comfort for the Queen during a tumultuous few weeks.
We've now learned that the Queen has picked some meaningful names for the two dogs. The names are so heartfelt that it makes you wonder what the Queen is reflecting on these days. What's clear is she's paying tribute to some people who were special to her.
Queen Elizabeth has a long history as a pet owner. The 94-year-old has owned more than 30 dogs during her reign.
When it comes to the Queen's favorite breed, she's known for her love of corgis and dorgis. There are photos documenting the Queen's love of the dogs from childhood and all through her adult life.
The royal family used to breed corgis themselves. Elizabeth decided to stop the practice after the death of the Queen Mother in 2002. She did continue to welcome the adorable short-legged dogs to the family.
In 2020, the death of Vulcan left the Queen with just one dog, her dorgi, Candy. Candy was pictured on the Queen's lap in March 2020 when she left Buckingham Palace for Windsor Castle at the beginning of the health crisis.
In recent years, it had been reported that the Queen decided to stop getting new dogs for fear of leaving any behind. Additionally, the small dogs follow her closely and increase the likelihood of tripping, which factored into her decision. That decision seems to have changed, however.
The Sun recently reported the Queen has welcomed two new corgi puppies.
"The Queen is delighted. It's unthinkable that the Queen wouldn’t have any corgis," a source told the outlet.
"Both are said to be bringing in a lot of noise and energy into the castle while Philip is in hospital."
The two new dogs are the first corgis that the Queen has ever owned who weren't descendants of Susan, the corgi she received for her 18th birthday in 1944. Now The Sun is revealing the names she gave the two sweet puppies. One is named Fergus, and the other is named Muick.
Fergus is named after the Queen's uncle, Fergus Bowes-Lyon, son of the 14th Earl of Strathmore. Fergus, the older brother of the Queen Mother, died during World War I. Though the Queen never met him, he was well remembered as a war hero who bravely died for his country.
Muick, pronounced Mick, is named after Loch Muick, one of the Queen's favorite places at Balmoral.
"Both name choices are extremely poignant and dear to the Queen," the source said.
"Loch Muick is one of her favourite places on the Balmoral estate and the loss of Uncle Fergus in the First World War is still honoured by the family."
