When Sarah Ferguson wakes up each morning to the excited "woof woof" of two small, fluffy corgis, she doesn’t just hear pets greeting her—she hears a message from beyond. "I’m sure it’s her talking to me," Ferguson told Us Weekly in November 2025, referring to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle. The two corgis, Muick and Sandy, once belonged to the monarch who ruled for 70 years and owned more than 30 of the breed. Now, they’re living with Ferguson and her ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire. But that arrangement may not last.
The Corgis’ Emotional Anchor
Ferguson, 65, has become the public face of the corgis’ care, sharing intimate details of their daily routine. In an interview with Hello Magazine, she described how their presence transforms her days: "From their wagging tails and comforting cuddles, to the calming presence and loyal companionship they give every single day, life is simply brighter with these amazing furry friends by my side." But it’s not just sentimentality driving her care—it’s strategy. Ferguson uses Licki Mats, a product from her sister Jane’s pet business, to freeze yogurt into cool, lickable treats. "It’s like an ice cream!" she said, explaining how the frozen snacks help keep the dogs calm during summer heat.Those details matter. As Craig Brown wrote in his biography Q: A Voyage Around the Queen, corgis are "a nightmare"—"unpredictable, temperamental bunch, one minute cuddly, the next psycho, the Corleones of the dog world." Queen Elizabeth knew this better than anyone. She raised them with precision: strict feeding times, no table scraps, no chaos. Ferguson’s methods, while loving, are a departure from that discipline. And that’s exactly what’s raising eyebrows at Buckingham Palace.
A Royal Disagreement Over Custody
According to British journalist Rob Shuter’s Substack newsletter on November 17, 2025, King Charles III, 76, is preparing to remove Muick and Sandy from Royal Lodge. The reason? "A declining environment," Shuter claims, citing unnamed senior courtiers who told The Economic Times that Charles believes the dogs need "a more stable home—and better judgment around them."The timing is explosive. Just weeks before, Charles stripped Andrew of his royal title and ordered him to vacate Royal Lodge following renewed scrutiny over his ties to late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew, now 65, is reportedly relocating to Sandringham. Ferguson, meanwhile, has moved into a private home nearby. The corgis’ future is now in limbo.
"Her Majesty liked Fergie," an insider told The Economic Times, "but she was ferociously protective of those dogs. She would never have wanted them left solely with Sarah—and Charles knows that better than anyone." The Queen, according to palace sources, never intended for Ferguson to be the primary caregiver. After Philip’s death in April 2021, Andrew and Princess Beatrice gave Muick and Sandy to Elizabeth as gifts. When she died, Buckingham Palace confirmed the dogs would "remain with the family," but never clarified who "the family" meant.
The Seven-Dog Household and the Royal Legacy
Today, Ferguson and Andrew share Royal Lodge with seven dogs total—including Muick, Sandy, and five others. Ferguson has become the de facto dog matriarch, posting photos of the corgis on social media and giving interviews about their routines. But the palace has been silent. That silence speaks volumes.Charles has long been known for his deep respect for tradition—and for his mother’s wishes. He inherited her love of animals, often seen walking his own corgis at Balmoral. But he also inherited her sense of order. The idea that two corgis, once under the Queen’s exacting care, are now being fed frozen yogurt on lickable mats in a home where the former Duke is under investigation, doesn’t sit well with senior staff.
"It’s not about the yogurt," one courtier confided to Town & Country. "It’s about the precedent. If you let the Queen’s dogs live in chaos now, what does that say about how seriously we take her legacy?"
What Happens Next?
The next few weeks could define the future of the royal pet legacy. Sources say Charles has already begun consulting with palace veterinarians and legal advisors on custody protocols. One possibility: Muick and Sandy could be moved to a royal estate under direct supervision—perhaps Windsor Castle, where the Queen once kept her kennels. Another: they could be placed with Princess Eugenie, who has publicly expressed admiration for the dogs.Meanwhile, Ferguson continues her daily ritual. She still freezes the yogurt. Still lets them leap onto the bed at dawn. Still whispers, "Good morning, Your Majesty," as they bark.
But the palace is watching. And it’s not just about dogs anymore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is King Charles considering taking the corgis away from Sarah Ferguson?
King Charles III is reportedly concerned that the environment at Royal Lodge has become unstable following Prince Andrew’s loss of title and the ongoing Epstein scandal. Senior courtiers believe the corgis, once cared for under Queen Elizabeth II’s strict routines, deserve a more disciplined and dignified setting. Charles, who deeply respects his mother’s legacy, sees the dogs as symbols of royal tradition—not casual pets.
What role did Queen Elizabeth II play in the corgis’ lives?
Queen Elizabeth II owned over 30 corgis during her reign and raised them with military precision: no table scraps, scheduled walks, and strict boundaries. She famously refused to let anyone else handle them without her permission. Muick and Sandy were gifts from Andrew and Beatrice after Prince Philip’s death in 2021, and she cherished them as her final companions. Her attachment was emotional, but also symbolic—corgis were her lifelong emblem of continuity.
Are there other royal corgis still alive?
Muick and Sandy are the only two corgis confirmed to be under Andrew and Sarah’s care. The Queen also left behind a cocker spaniel named Lissy and another corgi at her death, but their whereabouts haven’t been publicly confirmed. No other corgis from her kennel are known to be alive today. These two are the last living link to her 70-year corgi legacy.
What are Licki Mats, and why are they significant here?
Licki Mats are silicone feeding mats designed to slow down eating and reduce anxiety in dogs. Ferguson uses them to freeze yogurt into cool treats—a practice she says calms the corgis. While harmless, the technique contrasts sharply with the Queen’s more rigid feeding regimen. The mats come from Ferguson’s sister’s business, adding a layer of personal, non-royal influence to the care of royal pets—an unusual dynamic that’s drawing criticism from palace insiders.
Could the corgis be moved to another royal family member?
Yes. Princess Eugenie, Andrew’s daughter, has publicly expressed affection for the dogs and lives near Windsor. Windsor Castle itself is also a likely candidate, as it housed the Queen’s kennels and remains a royal residence under direct palace oversight. Moving them there would preserve tradition and distance the corgis from the controversy surrounding Royal Lodge.
Is this just about the dogs—or is it political?
It’s both. The corgis are emotional symbols of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, but they’re also a proxy for control over the royal narrative. With Andrew’s reputation in tatters, the palace sees the dogs as a way to reaffirm stability and dignity. Taking them away isn’t just about animal welfare—it’s about rewriting the legacy of the Windsor household after years of scandal.
