n February 2022, as anticipation built for Queen Elizabeth II’s historic Platinum Jubilee—marking an unprecedented 70 years on the British throne—the monarch took a quiet, personal moment to reflect on her long reign. In the Oak Room at Windsor Castle, she viewed a specially arranged display of memorabilia from two landmark celebrations: her Golden Jubilee in 2002 and the upcoming Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
The display, drawn from the Royal Archives, featured an array of heartfelt tributes sent by well-wishers over the years. These included greeting cards, commemorative items, and personal messages from across the Commonwealth and beyond. Among them were touching examples such as a child’s handwritten “recipe for a perfect monarch” and artistic cards created to honor the Queen’s milestone anniversaries. The selection highlighted the enduring affection and creativity inspired by her service, bridging two decades of public devotion.
What made the occasion particularly charming was the presence of one of the Queen’s beloved companions: her dorgi named Candy. A cross between a Pembroke Welsh corgi and a dachshund, Candy—whose distinctive short legs and elongated body reflected her mixed heritage—joined the Queen during the private viewing. The dorgi trotted around the room with curiosity, at one point sweetly interrupting the moment by seeking attention from Her Majesty. In released photographs, the Queen was seen beaming as she gently stroked and patted Candy, her face lit with genuine warmth amid the mementos of her reign.
Candy had been a steadfast part of the Queen’s life for many years. One of the last surviving “dorgis” bred from the royal line (a tradition that began when one of the Queen’s corgis mated with Princess Margaret’s dachshund), Candy provided comfort during a period of transition. By early 2022, the Queen had recently lost her husband, Prince Philip, and faced health challenges of her own, making the companionship of her dogs all the more meaningful. Earlier in 2021, she had welcomed two new puppies—another dorgi named Fergus (who sadly passed away young) and a corgi named Muick—but Candy remained a familiar and cherished presence.
The images, released by Buckingham Palace on February 4, 2022, captured a rare glimpse of the Queen’s more relaxed, private side. Dressed elegantly yet simply for the occasion, she appeared relaxed and contented as she examined the items, with Candy adding an endearing touch of everyday domesticity to the historic setting. The moment served as an informal prelude to the Platinum Jubilee festivities that would unfold later that year, reminding the public of the Queen’s deep personal connection to her animals and the quiet joy they brought her.
This gentle scene at Windsor Castle stood in contrast to the grandeur of the official Jubilee celebrations to come, underscoring Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong love of dogs—a passion that dated back to her childhood and had become an iconic part of her public image. Candy’s cameo perfectly encapsulated the blend of regality and relatability that defined her extraordinary reign.