Queen's heartbreak as she's forced to give up hobby that got her through Prince Philip's death amid health fears

Queen Elizabeth II walks through the grounds of Windsor Castle during Windsor Horse Show on May 11, 2011 in Windsor, England
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

The Queen has reportedly given up a hobby that helped her through her grief after losing Prince Philip as speculation about her health continues. 

The Queen’s health has been under the spotlight in recent days after it was announced that she’d spent a night in hospital after cancelling a trip to Northern Ireland on medical grounds. The confirmation came a day afterwards and Buckingham Palace has  faced criticism for the timing of their statement. Now the Queen has been advised to rest with her attendance at the COP26 climate conference next month with other senior members of The Firm yet to be re-confirmed. 

Not only that, but the monarch is said to have given up one of her favourite daily hobbies. As reported by The Daily Mail, sources have claimed that the Queen has been taking doctors’ advice seriously and has not walked her corgis herself for almost a week. 

Queen Elizabeth II walking her dogs at Windsor Castle

The publication suggests that these daily excursions with her two puppies and dorgi (dachshund and corgi cross) Candy around Frogmore on the Windsor estate are one of the highlights of her day. Whilst her family and friends reportedly believe these walks are a “tonic” for the 95-year-old monarch and have helped to keep her fit and healthy. 

The Queen’s alleged decision to take a break from walking her dogs is certainly an indicator of how seriously she’s taking her health, though this hobby will likely be hugely missed. When her beloved husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, was admitted to hospital earlier this year, the Queen is understood to have drawn great comfort from her pets. 

The newest arrivals were reportedly sweet gifts during this difficult time and according to The Sun, an insider claimed that they brought a lot of energy into Windsor Castle.

Queen Elizabeth II of England at Balmoral Castle with one of her Corgis

The insider said, “The Queen is delighted. It’s unthinkable that the Queen wouldn’t have any corgis. It’s like the Tower of London not having any ravens. They have only been there a couple of weeks but are said to be adorable and made the castle their home. Both are said to be bringing in a lot of noise and energy into the castle while Philip is in hospital.”

In a heartbreaking turn of events, however, the Queen lost her dorgi Fergus just a month after Prince Philip’s death. Her granddaughters Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice and their father Prince Andrew are then said to have given her a new puppy for her birthday in June.

Queen Elizabeth II on the 30th anniversary of her reign, with the Duke of Edinburgh on their estate at Sandringham, Norfolk

“The Queen has had a rough time and she is absolutely delighted to have a new corgi. She was distraught when Fergus died suddenly, but this new dog will be perfect company for Muick going forward”, a Windsor Castle source declared at the time. 

Given how much spending time with her dogs has reportedly helped the Queen during so many difficult moments this year, she will no doubt be looking forward to reuniting with them for daily walks very soon.

Emma Shacklock
Senior Lifestyle Writer

Emma is a Senior Lifestyle Writer with six years of experience working in digital publishing, ranging from book publishing to magazines. She currently looks after all things Lifestyle for Woman&Home, Goodto.com, and My Imperfect Life.