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ROYAL PETS

How many corgis has The Queen had, when did Elizabeth II start breeding racehorses and what other animals does she own?

The Queen is known to be an animal lover

THE QUEEN'S corgis are iconic and over the years Her Majesty has had several beloved dogs as well as a variety of other pets.

Queen Elizabeth II is known for her love of animals and breeds and keeps a variety of species including racehorses, ponies and dogs.

 Queen Elizabeth II walking her dogs at Windsor Castle in 1994
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Queen Elizabeth II walking her dogs at Windsor Castle in 1994Credit: Getty - Contributor

How many corgis has the Queen had?

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are known to be the Queen's favourite breed and she has owned more than 30 during her reign.

The breed has been in favour with the Royal Family for more than 70 years.

They have become just as well known as the royal herself, with some appearing in the 2012 Olympic ceremony with Her Majesty and Daniel Craig.

The Queen became fond of corgis when she was young, after meeting dogs owned by the children of the Marquess of Bath.

Her first corgi was called Dookie, who was brought home by her father in 1933.

They live in Buckingham Palace in a special Corgi Room.

They are said to sleep in elevated wicker baskets and enjoy meals whipped up by a chef.

In 1999 one of the Queen's royal footmen was demoted from the palace after reportedly pouring booze into the corgis food and water.

She has also had cocker spaniels and dorgis - a dachshund-corgi crossbreed.

October 2018 saw the death of the Queen's last corgi, Whisper.

 The Queen has always enjoyed watching horseracing and breeds thoroughbreds
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The Queen has always enjoyed watching horseracing and breeds thoroughbredsCredit: Getty - Contributor

When did the Queen start breeding racehorses?

She inherited several thoroughbred horses for racing after her father King George VI died in 1952.

Her registered racing colours are a purple and scarlet jacket with gold braiding, with a black cap.

Horses owned by the Queen won more than 1,600 races by 2013.

She has been named British flat racing Champion Owner in 1954 and 1957 - the first reigning monarch to do so twice.

She reportedly doesn't gamble, but reads the Racing Post over breakfast.

 Over the years the royal has been given many unusual gifts...
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Over the years the royal has been given many unusual gifts...Credit: Getty - Contributor

What other animals does Elizabeth II have?

Although not kept with her the Queen became the owner of two sloths after a state visit to Brazil in 1968.

They were given to the London Zoo to be taken care of.

She has also been given jaguars, black beavers and a seven-year-old bull elephant.

Among her collection are the entire whales, sturgeons and dolphins in the waters around the UK, in a quirky rule that goes back to the 1300s.

Her Majesty also owns any unclaimed mute swan in open water in both England and Wales.

This is a law that goes back to medieval times.

How much money does the Queen earn, what is Elizabeth II’s net worth and how does she make money?
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