Queen's last corgi dies, ending her 74 year connection with the breed

The Queen's last corgi, Whisper has passed away.

The 12-year-old Corgi ends the Queen's association with the breed which has become synonymous with the Queen and Royal Family. 

Twelve-year-old Whisper had become a royal favourite following the death earlier this year of Willow – the last corgi she reared herself.

She had taken in the dog in 2016 after its owner Bill Fenwick, a former Sandringham gamekeeper, died.

Mr Fenwick’s late wife Nancy was known as the ‘keeper of the Queen’s corgis’ and always looked after the royal pets when Her Majesty was away on tours.

Her offer to take in Whisper was seen as returning the favour. Over the last two years she had become especially close to Whisper who devotedly followed her from room to room throughout Buckingham Palace.

READ MORE: One of the Queen's corgi has passed away

Although she still has two dogs, Candy and Vulcan, they are dorgis, dachshund and corgi crosses. They are also rather more familiar with the Queen’s routine.

The dog’s death brings to an end a personal connection for the Queen dating back to 1944 when she received Susan, her first Pembroke Corgi as an 18th birthday present.

All her subsequent corgis – apart from Whisper – can trace their lineage back to Susan, and the Queen became an expert on the breed.

Five years ago she took the decision to stop breeding them. 

This article was originally published on dailymail.co.uk and is republished here with permission