Mysteries Of The Throne: Royals And Their Pawsome Secrets
Best Pet Daily - Japan’s Fifth Shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi (reigned 1680–1709), wasn’t royalty per se, but was a Japanese ruler and became famous for his obsessive protection of dogs especially Akitas.
From ancient temples to modern palaces, royal pets have always held a certain mystique.
Cats prowled the halls of Egyptian royalty around 500 BCE, while loyal dogs lounged at the feet of medieval kings in 13th-century Europe.
But beyond the historical anecdotes lies a treasure trove of questions: What roles did these pets play? Were they mere companions, symbols of status, or something more?
Let’s delve into the untold stories, whimsical mysteries, and furry facts about the pets that once shared the spotlight with royalty.
Best Pet Daily - Cats were revered in Ancient Egypt. Did Cleopatra have a cat? (Pic Source: Digital Artist’s Impression)
1. Ancient Royals and Their Furry Companions
In ancient Egypt (around 500 BCE), cats weren’t just pets—they were divine beings. Associated with the goddess Bastet, these felines were often adorned with golden jewelry and buried alongside their royal owners in elaborate tombs. Were they truly loved as companions or merely revered as symbols of power? It’s a mystery that continues to intrigue historians.
Meanwhile, in ancient Mesopotamia (circa 2000 BCE), Sumerian kings prized their dogs for loyalty and protection. Ornate collars found in archaeological digs suggest these hounds were both guardians and status symbols.
2. Medieval Royalty: The Rise of Lavish Pet-Parenting
By the 13th century, pets were no longer just protectors—they became signs of wealth in Europe’s royal courts. Knights favored noble hounds, while queens adored elegant lapdogs.
Cats, meanwhile, occupied an ambivalent position, valued in castles for pest control but feared in superstitions.
One curious belief suggested that cats could sense royal emotions.
Did they truly have a sixth sense, or were medieval royals simply looking for signs of magic in their companions?
Either way, their presence added a mysterious charm to court life.
Best Pet Daily - Marie Antoinette’s life might have been brought to a sudden and sad end. However, it’s thought her six white Turkish Angora kitties, which made it to America, might have bloodlines in the Maine Coon breed we know today (Pic Source: Digital Artist’s Impression)
3. Renaissance Royals: From Companions to Portrait Subjects
In 16th-century England, Queen Elizabeth I’s spaniel became a symbol of loyalty, frequently appearing in her portraits.
Across the channel, in 18th-century France, Marie Antoinette’s six white Turkish Angoras freely roamed her lavish Versailles dining tables.
Marie Antoinette’s tragic end in 1793—her beheading during the French Revolution—adds a shocking twist to her cats’ story.
Legend has it that her beloved felines were sent ahead to America aboard the Sally as part of an escape plan, though she never followed.
These cats supposedly contributed to the development of the Maine Coon breed. Fact or fiction? That’s a mystery for history buffs to unravel.
4. The “Dog Shogun” of Japan: Tokugawa Tsunayoshi
In 17th-century Japan, Fifth Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi (reigned 1680–1709) wasn’t royalty per se, but was a Japanese ruler and became famous for his obsessive protection of dogs.
His laws forbade animal cruelty and elevated the Akita breed to a noble status. Akitas became a symbol of loyalty and courage among Japan’s samurai class.
But why such devotion? Some speculate his Buddhist beliefs about reincarnation drove his policies. Was his love for dogs a moral stance, or a political strategy to showcase compassion? This remains one of the more puzzling tales of royal pet history.
Best Pet Daily - Queen Victoria I, might have been the first pet influencer (Pic Source: Digital Artist’s Impression)
5. The Victorian Obsession with Pets
By the 19th century, Queen Victoria of England (reigned 1837–1901) redefined the concept of pet ownership.
Her love for Pomeranians and Persian cats turned these breeds into global symbols of sophistication.
She even bred her pets, influencing trends across Europe and beyond.
But here’s a fun thought: Was Queen Victoria the original “pet influencer”?
With her pets appearing in royal portraits, letters, and public appearances, she might have been an early adopter of the “my pet is my brand” philosophy.
Best Pet Daily - Tsar Nicholas II took his Dachshunds into exile with him (Pic Source: Digital Artist’s Impression)
6. Royals Who Went to Great Lengths for Their Pets
Catherine the Great of Russia (reigned 1762–1796) doted on her Italian Greyhound, Zemira.
The pup slept in a silk-lined cradle and accompanied Catherine everywhere.
In fact, Zemira was so beloved that Catherine shut herself off from the world in mourning for days when the dog died.
Equally devoted was Tsar Nicholas II, who brought his dachshunds into exile following the Russian Revolution (1917).
In times of turmoil, these pets seemed to offer a comforting sense of normalcy.
But here’s a question: Was this genuine love, or were pets also a tool for emotional stability in unstable times?
Best Pet Daily - Queen Elizabeth II’s fondness of Pembroke Welsh Corgis is legendary (Pic Source: Digital Artist’s Impression)
7. Modern Royals and Their Devotion to Pets
Fast-forward to the 20th and 21st centuries, and the British royal family continues the tradition.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Pembroke Welsh Corgis—starting with Susan in 1944—have become iconic.
Over her reign, more than 30 corgis enjoyed palace life, with gourmet meals and personal staff.
Best Pet Daily - King Charles III and Queen Camilla enjoy the companionship of two rescue Jack Russell Terriers (Pic Source: Digital Artist’s Impression)
Meanwhile, King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s Jack Russell terriers, Beth and Bluebell, are rescues from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
They bring a modern twist to royal pet ownership, showcasing that even royalty embraces animal welfare.
8. The Dutch Royals and Their Labrador Love
In the Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima are proud parents to three Labradors—Luna, Skipper, Nala. And in 2022 welcomed Mambo to the family (sources are unclear of the breed but photos suggested Mambo is a groodle).
Best Pet Daily - King Willem and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands have three black labs (and added a young “Oodle” to the mix in the last couple of years!). Pic Source: Digital Artist’s Impression
Their dogs are often featured in casual photos, highlighting a down-to-earth side of royal life.
But here’s a whimsical mystery: Do royal Labradors get palace privileges? Are they allowed in throne rooms, or do they stick to the royal gardens?
9. Fun and Whimsical Royal Pet Legends
The story of Helen Keller’s Akita, a gift from Japan in 1937, adds another fascinating layer to royal pet history.
Described as “an angel in fur,” this Akita charmed Keller and introduced the breed to America.
The legend of Marie Antoinette seeding the Maine Coon breed in the America’s, through her six precious, white Turkish Angora cats which made it to America without her, remains one of the most whimsical tales, though history offers no definitive proof that the Maine Coon was developed as a result.
Perhaps it’s these unanswered questions that make royal pet stories so enduringly intriguing.
10. Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Royal Pets
From ancient Egypt to modern Britain, royal pets have shaped cultural trends, inspired legislation, and left behind unforgettable legends.
They’ve symbolized loyalty, comforted during crises, and even sparked debates about status and privilege.
Perhaps the real mystery is this: How much of the love for royal pets is about the animals themselves, and how much is about what they represent? One thing’s for sure—their stories will continue to captivate us for generations to come.
FAQs
1. Did royal pets have special privileges?
Yes! Many royal pets lived in luxury, with private chefs, custom furniture, and even burial sites fit for kings.
2. What is the most famous royal pet legend?
Marie Antoinette’s cats and their supposed role in creating the Maine Coon breed is one of the most enduring—and debated—royal pet legends.
3. Were exotic pets common among royals?
Yes! Ancient Egyptian pharaohs kept cheetahs, and Frederick the Great of Prussia adored his Italian Greyhounds.
4. Why were corgis Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite breed?
Their loyalty, intelligence, and playful nature made them a perfect match for the late Queen, who owned over 30 during her lifetime.
5. Did royal pets influence history?
Absolutely! From Tokugawa Tsunayoshi’s animal welfare laws in Japan to Queen Victoria’s impact on pet ownership, royal pets have shaped both culture and policy.
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