Prince Andrew has gifted the Queen two puppies to help her cope after the death of her husband Prince Philip, it has been claimed.
Her son decided to give the two dogs to her when his father's condition worsened, according to reports.
The family hope the new members of the royals will bring comfort to the widow following the death of her husband of 73-years on April 9.
As Her Majesty turns 95 today, she will enjoy a “private low-key" birthday with corgi Muick and dachshund-corgi cross Fergus.
According to The Sun, the two puppies were gifted by Prince Andrew, who purchased the dogs while his father was ill in hospital last month.
A royal source said: “The Queen did not plan on getting any new dogs as she feared she was getting too old.
“But it was Andrew who surprised his mum with two new puppies when she felt down and alone in the Castle after the Duke was taken to hospital.”
Her Majesty is known to have had more than 30 dogs during her lifetime.
The Queen has meanwhile reportedly "made it clear" she is united with Charles and William in the aftermath of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's bombshell Oprah interview.
It is claimed she was "disappointed" with aspects of the Sussex's tell-all chat to the American star.
Sources told the Mirror's Royal Editor Russell Myers that Harry wrote his father a "deeply personal" note before the service in a bid to ease tensions within the family.
Charles was hoping to see his son after the service but the Duke told him he wasn't sticking around.
An insider told MailOnline: "The Queen has made it clear to senior advisers that she is united with Charles and William, and was disappointed with aspects of Harry and Meghan's interview."
"There is much pain and hurt on both sides, so this reconciliation will take place in baby steps.
"First, they need to decide on some ground rules as to how they conduct business going forward in a way that makes all parties feel safe and protected."
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward said it is unlikely the Queen would want to be involved in any kind of family summit to address the rift, at this stage at least.
