The late Queen Elizabeth was known as many things — a beloved monarch, a unifier of nations, a grandmother, and a proud pet parent. In her 70-plus years on the throne, she had more than 30 canines by her side. At the time of her death September 8, she had two Corgis, Muick and Sandy, and a Dorgi (Corgi and Dachshund mix) named Candy.
The pups have bid adieu to their former home in Buckingham Palace. They’ll now reside at Windsor with Prince Andrew. But the royal residence won’t wait long to hear the pitter-patter of paws once more. King Charles III and his wife Camilla are bringing their royal rescue dogs, Beth and Bluebell, to their new home.
From ‘Pillar to Post’ to Royal Rescue Dog
Camilla, the new Queen Consort, adopted the pair of Jack Russel Terriers from South London’s Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
She first adopted Beth — then a 12-week-old pup — in 2011. A year later, she adopted Bluebell, who was four months old at the time.
“Along I went to Battersea, and Beth appeared and she had just been moved from pillar to post and dumped,” Camilla said in a past interview with BBC Radio 5 Live.
“We thought it would be nice for her to have a friend. They found [Bluebell] two or three weeks later wandering about in woods, no hair on her, covered in sores, virtually dead,” Camilla continued, “And they nursed her back to life and her hair grew again. She’s very sweet, but a tiny bit neurotic, shall we say.”
Transfer of Paw-er
Queen Elizabeth II, who called her dogs “family,” passed along her love of pets to her son Charles. Just as the Queen’s canines were her constant companions, Beth and Bluebell will likely be prominent fixtures in the palace.
They’ve already graced the cover of Country Life. And Camilla has said that although they’re not allowed on the bed, Beth and Bluebell are permitted free rein, for the most part.
But the pups will have to wait a little while before settling into their new home, as Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing renovations. For now, they’ll continue to reside at Charles and Camilla’s London home, Clarence House.
