Sarah Ferguson marks late Queen's death anniversary with update on the monarch's beloved corgis

Sarah, Duchess of York, has shared an update about Queen Elizabeth’s beloved corgis on the first anniversary of the late monarch’s death.

The duchess, who was previously married to Prince Andrew, posted a photograph of herself sitting on a patch of grass while petting Sandy and Muick, who were entrusted into her and the Duke of York’s care after Elizabeth died on 8 September 2022.

She wrote in the caption: "As we mourn a year on, we also celebrate the wonderful times we shared with Her Late Majesty the Queen. She entrusted me with the care of her corgis Sandy and Muick and I am delighted to say they are thriving."

Queen Elizabeth II's love of corgis

The former monarch was a prolific lover of corgis throughout her 70-year reign. She owned more than 30 corgis from the year she ascended the throne in 1952.

On the day of her state funeral, which was held on 19 September 2022, a photograph of Sandy and Muick waiting for her coffin to arrive at Windsor Castle captured the hearts of the nation.

In 2021, Andrew gifted his mother two puppies: a corgi – who went on the be named Muick – and a dorgi, a cross-breed between a corgi and a dachshund, that was named Fergus.

However, Elizabeth was left devastated after five-month-old Fergus died just a few weeks after Prince Philip’s death on 9 April 2021. For her 95th birthday, Andrew and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie gifted the Queen another corgi puppy, who was named Sandy.

Most of the corgis that Elizabeth owned throughout her life were descended from her very first corgi, Susan. She was gifted Susan on her 18th birthday in 1944.

In a separate post, Sarah shared a throwback photo of Elizabeth and described her as a “wonderful friend, a mentor, a second mother to me”.

Members of the Royal Family pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Other members of the Royal Family have paid individual tributes to the late Queen on Friday as the nation observes exactly one year since her death.

King Charles III, who has been monarch for one year now, remembered his late mother’s “devoted service” in his own tribute to her. In a statement, he said: “In marking the first anniversary of Her Late Majesty’s death and my accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us.

“I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all.”

Prince William and Kate also shared a tribute on social media, ahead of their attendance at a private church service in 12th Century St David’s Cathedral in Wales to commemorate Elizabeth’s life.

The couple wrote: “Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C.”

Prince Harry, who is in the UK for a brief time as he attended the annual WellChild awards ceremony on Thursday night, marked the anniversary privately on Friday. He was seen at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, where the Queen is buried.

In a speech he gave at the awards, he reflected on her life and said: “As you know, I was unable to attend the awards last year as my grandmother passed away. As you also probably know, she would have been the first person to insist that I still come to be with you all instead of going to her. And that’s precisely why I know, exactly one year on, she is looking down on all of us tonight, happy we’re together continuing to spotlight such an incredible community.”