The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations culminate in an extended bank holiday weekend this June, and many of us will be marking the occasion with our dogs by our side. It seems only right – considering how much Her Majesty The Queen loves dogs – that our canine companions are part of the fun!
The Queen has bred more than 30 dogs during her reign, which totalled a milestone 70 years – the longest a British Monarch has ever served – this February.
These days, she has four dogs including a new Cocker Spaniel called Lissy, a Corgi called Muick, and a Dorgi called Candy. The latter is The Queen’s very own Dachshund-Corgi mix.
It all started, of course, with the monarch’s first dog – a Corgi named Susan – which she received as a gift for her 18th birthday. Since then, The Queen’s beloved dogs have regularly appeared by her side, with Susan famously accompanying her on honeymoon.
If you fancy getting your own four-legged friend involved in the festivities, here are our top five suggestions to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee with your dog. From royal walks to regal attire, these ideas will have you both celebrating in style.
5 Ways to Celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee with your dog
1. Head to Dogstival
Dogstival is an annual dog festival that’s usually held in the New Forest. For this year only you’ll find it at the Broadlands Estate, Hampshire, for a special Jubilee celebration. It’s a nod to the fact that Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Philip enjoyed their honeymoon here – with Susan the dog in tow – and will be held on 4th and 5th June. Get your pup involved with the dog show, let them loose in the Barkour urban playground, and shop for dog-friendly treats galore.
2. Pamper your pup
The Queen has her very own collection of gifts for pets available from the Sandringham Estate's gift shop in Norfolk and via the Royal Collection Shop online – so you can pick up a posh pet blanket or a classy collar to remember the Queen’s Jubilee by. If you’re planning a visit to the Sandringham Estate any time soon, keep an eye out for her latest product launch. For £9.99 a bottle, 'Happy Hounds' Dog Cologne promises to bring the scent of coastal walks to your dog’s coat. Alas, it’s not available online.
3. Take a royal walk
An extended long weekend can only mean one thing: extra time for walkies. And where better to start than the National Trust, of which Her Majesty The Queen used to be President? The role is now filled by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and the charity’s website includes a list of the best National Trust locations for dog walks. From carefully landscaped gardens to wonderfully wild woodlands, there’s a walk here for everyone.
4. Bake for The Big Jubilee Lunch
There are lots of ways to get involved over the long weekend, including The Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday 5th June. Whether you’re planning a full-blown street party or a small soiree with neighbours, why not bake your pup something extra-special so they can join in? Many standard ingredients aren’t recommended for dogs, so we absolutely love this dog-friendly cake recipe from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Just remember to serve it in small portions.
5. Enjoy a well-deserved rest
At the end of a long weekend packed with celebrations, your dog – and you – may well need a good sleep. We can’t think of anything more apt for your canine friend to snooze in than this Buckingham Palace dog bed. Available in small and medium sizes, it’s crafted from Hunting Stewart tartan, which is the livery worn at the Palace of Holyroodhouse – Her Majesty The Queen's official residence in Scotland. If it’s good enough for Her Majesty…
How will you celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee with your dog? Please share your pics on our Facebook or Instagram pages – we’d love to see you both enjoying the festivities!
