Pair of pups welcomed to palace

SHE vowed not to breed any more dogs, fearing she might trip over them in her advancing years, or, worse still, leave them behind when the time came.

Yet the Queen’s unexpected decision to take on two new puppies last month at the age of 94 will help her to cope with the loss of Prince Philip, according to royal insiders.

The monarch surprised palace staff when she requested that they begin searching for a pair of pets to replace her beloved pooches.

The move followed the death of Her Majesty’s dorgi (a cross between a corgi and a dachshund) Vulcan, last November leaving her with one dorgi, called Candy.

Having owned more than 30 dogs over the years, she resolved to expand the kennel and, in March, she welcomed the two puppies to Windsor Castle.

According to a royal insider: “Everyone knows that [the Queen] is a lifelong dog lover and that dogs bring her so much joy.

“Like most people, I think that lockdown helped her to realise how important it is to be surrounded by the things you love in life.

“These puppies are very much a part of that, but now Prince Philip has gone, they will take on a greater significance. As well as acting as a welcome distraction they will keep her company.”