Princess Elizabeth was not yet queen when she embarked on her honeymoon trip with Prince Philip. Nonetheless, amidst the fanfare of the 1947 wedding between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, there was one secret little known to the general public at the time. Travelling with the newlyweds was Susan, the corgi who would become the foundation of Queen Elizabeth II's famous line of corgis.
According to Reader’s Digest, royal historian Penny Junor, in her book titled All the Queen’s Corgis , said that Susan was so beloved by Elizabeth that she allegedly took her with her on their honeymoon, hiding the animal among the rugs in the royal coach. It is said to be one of the most fascinating accounts involving the former queen's love for corgis.
The birthday gift that changed everything
Susan entered Elizabeth's life in 1944 as an 18th birthday gift from her parents.
As Junor mentioned, the dog quickly became more than just an addition to the family. The young princess developed a special connection with Susan, taking the dog for walks and on holiday and involving it in the many duties of her royal lifestyle. In an interview, Junor referred to Susan as the start of Elizabeth's lifelong personal connection with the corgis.
According to the Royal Collection Trust , Dookie and another corgi named Jane were acquired in 1933 for Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret after the sisters had become fond of the breed. Dookie would later be followed by Susan, the corgi gifted to Elizabeth on her 18th birthday.
A secret passenger on a royal journey
The marriage of Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten on 20 November 1947 in Westminster Abbey drew worldwide attention. Millions around the globe followed this celebration, which took place after Britain's Second World War period of revival.
One of the aspects that many did not know at the time was that it was said that Susan went along with part of the honeymoon trip. As per accounts quoted by Junor, and also cited in Reader's Digest, according to royal historian Penny Junor, Susan was allegedly hidden among the rugs in the royal coach during part of the honeymoon journey.
While, according to some reports, a hot-water bottle was kept with the dog for her comfort.
Although the picture is far more personal than the formal image of royalty, it provides a peek into the private side of Elizabeth. No matter how important this event was in her life, she was deeply attached to her beloved corgi.
Perhaps this is another reason why the story holds significance, as it highlights the personal side of the queen. Despite the discipline and restraint that she later became known for, her love for animals, especially dogs, was known to many.
The beginning of a royal canine dynasty
However, Susan’s significance did not end with the honeymoon period. Reports also noted that Susan gave birth to puppies in 1949, beginning the Windsor line of corgis that would continue for generations. In subsequent years, Queen Elizabeth took charge of breeding more generations of corgis descended from Susan.
According to the official website of The Royal Family, Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis and dorgis during her lifetime.
However, over time, the corgis became an iconic part of the Queen’s image. They made appearances in official pictures, accompanied the Queen at different royal residences, and often drew attention from visitors. Elizabeth liked the dogs’ energetic, independent, and spirited characters. As Junor puts it, this was probably what endeared the dogs to the queen.
More than a pet
The tale of Susan shows why the bond between the Queen and the corgis was such a popular image among people. It is important to notice that, unlike many symbols connected to royalty, it had strong personal connotations.
Love for dogs always characterised the monarch during her reign, but Susan enjoyed a special status among the other dogs kept by the queen. The pet not only served as a birthday gift but later became part of the honeymoon experience and even the predecessor of many future corgis in the family.
Years later, pictures of Queen Elizabeth surrounded by corgis were recognized worldwide. However, before becoming an iconic figure of the British Monarchy, Susan was the dog said to have accompanied the young princess on part of her honeymoon journey, hidden beneath the rugs of the royal coach.
