Corgis will take to the streets of London as the owners plan to launch an annual parade in the Queen’s honor – while organizers invite Sarah Ferguson to bring the late monarch’s dogs to join in on the fun.
More than 50 pups attended last year’s rally as the nation mourned the monarch, with many dressing up in patriotic costumes to pay tribute.
Agatha Crerer-Gilbert – whose glamorous dog Ruffus led the way in the first parade – wants to rally the breed to pay tribute again as they walk past Buckingham Palace together this Sunday.
She believes the social nature of corgis would mean the Queen’s former pets would be happy to take part in the event – and it could help comfort them as they continue to mourn her death.
The dog lover, who was an intensive care physician during the day, said: “I know we have to continue this to preserve her legacy after she passed away, and we owe it to the Queen for being a patron of the corgis.
Agatha Crerer-Gilbert’s (left) glamorous dog Ruffus (right) leads the way in the first parade
The Queen, pictured at Balmoral Castle with one of her Corgis in 1952, is credited by the breed’s fans with making them aware of the adorable pups
Queen Elizabeth II is greeted by local Corgi enthusiasts in Edmonton as she exits the Legislature Building on a tour of Canada.
More than 50 pups attended last year’s gathering as the nation mourned the monarch, with many dressing up in patriotic costumes to pay tribute
“She made us aware that corgis are a wonderful breed. They accompanied her in all her daily activities.
“We felt we should go ahead and head for the parade next Sunday.
“The Queen’s Corgis and Sarah Ferguson would be most welcome. I’m sure it would help them.
“Corgis are very social and they would definitely enjoy being in a group with other corgis and other people.”
Last year, despite clashing with a train strike and the London Half Marathon, corgis were shown to pay forceful tribute to the Queen a month after her death.
The world has come to associate the Queen with Corgis, and for 85 years, between 1933 and 2018, the Queen owned at least one Corgi.
In all, there were a total of 14 dynasties of the breed in the royal court.
Her Majesty had owned 33 Corgis during her reign and was often pictured with the dogs on the move.
Mrs Crerer-Gilbert wants to rally the breed to pay tribute again as they walk past Buckingham Palace together this Sunday
Mrs Crerer-Gilbert and Ruffus – pictured dressed as Beefeater – think the Queen’s corgi would be happy to join the parade, and it would help them if they mourn the monarch
Fashionista Ruffus isn’t much of a fan of the costumes – says Mrs Crerer-Gilbert – but he’ll put up with them because he knows there’s an ice cream for him at the end of the day
Queen Elizabeth II sits with her corgis on a grassy bank at Virginia Water to watch competitors, including Prince Philip, compete with her Corgis during the 1973 European Driving Championship marathon
A young Princess Elizabeth before becoming Queen, with two corgi dogs at her home at 145 Piccadilly, London, July 1936
Speaking of the previous parade, royal lover Ms Crerer-Gilbert continued: ‘The turnout was very good and it was a great day and it brought a smile to everyone’s face.
“The atmosphere was optimistic, although we were obviously shocked and saddened by her passing.
“We felt that in a way she would know that we were there for her, that we are there for her, and that we will continue to celebrate her life.
“I wouldn’t say Ruffus was born for this, but he likes the attention.
“He doesn’t like the costume very much! He doesn’t like to wear the crown very much, but he has no major objections. He knows he’s going to get some ice cream out of this!
“He doesn’t put any effort into it, he just doesn’t mind being dressed up.
The Queen loved all the photos she received from the Christmas Sweater Parade. I’m not sure she would have joined us in person, but in spirit she certainly would have.’
In 2022, the Queen had two Corgis, a Dorgi (cross between a Corgi and a Daschund) and a Cocker Spaniel. The 10-year-old Dorgi named Candy is said to be the eldest of the bunch.
Last year, despite clashing with a train strike and the London Half Marathon, Corgis showed up a month after her death to pay respects to the Queen
The world has come to associate the Queen with Corgis, and for 85 years, between 1933 and 2018, the Queen owned at least one Corgi
Last year, despite clashing with a train strike and the London Half Marathon, corgis turned out in force a month after her death to pay respects to the Queen
Her love for Corgis dates back to childhood, when her father, King George VI, bought Princess Elizabeth and her younger sister Princess Margaret a Pembrokeshire Welsh Corgi when she was seven.
King George brought home one named Dookie for her and Princess Margaret, after they played and fell in love with Viscount Weymouth’s own Corgi.
The King and Queen Mother tried to breed Dookie, and a few years later he had two puppies with another partner, who were named Crackers and Carol.
Susan the Corgi arrived in 1944 for the Queen’s 18th birthday, and they soon became inseparable.
The Queen loved Susan so much that in 1947 she honeymooned with the Monarch and Prince Philip.