Prince Andrew has reportedly stopped walking the two corgis he inherited from his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Sources suggest that the Duke of York has delegated the responsibility of exercising the dogs to his staff at Royal Lodge, the Windsor estate where he resides. This comes as he faces scrutiny over his alleged links to a businessman accused of espionage.
Andrew, 64, has been described as “withdrawn” and “demoralized,” leading to his absence from what was once a regular routine. An insider shared, “He hasn’t been able to bring himself to walk the dogs lately, something he used to do regularly. It seems like everything is weighing him down.”
The Duke shares responsibility for the corgis, Muick and Sandy, with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. Although divorced, the pair continues to live together at Royal Lodge, where they also care for five other dogs. The corgis were gifted to the Queen during the COVID-19 lockdown by Andrew, a gesture meant to uplift her spirits.
Queen Elizabeth was well-known for her lifelong love of corgis, a breed that became almost synonymous with her public image. Throughout her reign, she owned over 30 corgis and dorgis (a mix between a corgi and a dachshund). By her later years, only Muick and Sandy remained, making them particularly special.
Ferguson, who often accompanied the Queen on walks during her final years, has continued to care for the dogs. However, reports indicate that Andrew’s disengagement from daily activities, including walking the animals, has left the task primarily to staff members.
Scandals Shadow Prince Andrew
The Duke of York has been entangled in numerous controversies that have distanced him from royal duties. His latest troubles revolve around his reported association with Yang Tenbo, also known as Chris Yang, a businessman accused by British authorities of working as a Chinese spy.
A recent court ruling revealed that Andrew was willing to explore business opportunities with Yang, who allegedly cultivated a close relationship with the prince. British intelligence agencies expressed concerns that Yang was attempting to gain influence within the royal family.
While Yang has denied all accusations of espionage and Andrew has insisted that their meetings were entirely above board, the revelations have intensified scrutiny on the Duke. Andrew has claimed that all interactions were conducted through official channels and did not involve sensitive topics. Despite these assurances, doubts remain about the potential risks posed by his associations.
Family Tensions
The ongoing controversies have further strained Andrew’s position within the royal family. Dubbed the “Duke of Hazard” by palace insiders, his actions have sparked unease among senior royals. In light of these tensions, he opted out of attending key family events, including King Charles’ pre-Christmas gathering at Buckingham Palace and the Christmas celebrations at Sandringham.
Royal advisers and Sarah Ferguson reportedly encouraged Andrew to avoid these high-profile occasions, reflecting the family’s concerns about the negative attention he brings.
Meanwhile, Andrew remains at Royal Lodge despite King Charles’ efforts to have him relocate. The Duke’s reluctance to walk the Queen’s corgis, a symbolic and cherished part of her legacy, has drawn further attention to his apparent disengagement from daily life.
The Legacy of the Queen’s Corgis
Queen Elizabeth’s bond with her corgis was an enduring symbol of her reign, embodying her love for animals and her personal warmth. For Andrew, the responsibility of caring for Muick and Sandy was a unique privilege and a reminder of his mother’s affection.
However, as scandals continue to overshadow his life, even this simple duty has been delegated to others. While Sarah Ferguson remains active in caring for the dogs, Andrew’s absence from this routine reflects the broader challenges he faces.
As the Duke of York navigates an increasingly difficult chapter, the corgis remain a poignant reminder of the Queen’s legacy—a legacy that continues to inspire affection and admiration around the world.