The Queen was 'distraught' over the death of her eldest and longest-surviving dog Candy
Queen Elizabeth II had a lifelong love for corgis and reportedly once said that her "corgis were family".
Sadly, the Queen's eldest dog, Candy, passed away at the beginning of summer (June in the UK) and according to The Mirror Her Majesty was said to be left "distraught" over the loss.
The 'dorgi' – a cross between a dachshund and a Welsh corgi – had been a loyal and constant companion to Britain's longest-serving monarch, by her side for 18 years.
It's understood Candy passed away shortly after the Queen arrived at Balmoral Castle.
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The Queen was said to be "distraught" over the death of her dog Candy (pictured), just before her death. Getty
The Queen, who buried her dogs where they died such as Windsor Castle, Sandringham and Balmoral, reportedly planned to return to Windsor Castle to bury her beloved Candy.
However, she never made it back, passing away peacefully at age 96 at Balmoral Castle on September 8.
The Queen still had two corgis, Sandy and Muick, who were gifted to her by her son, Prince Andrew, and his daughter, Princess Beatrice.
It has been confirmed that Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, will take on the care of the dogs.
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The 'dorgi' passed away at the beginning of summer (June in the UK) just before her death on September 8. Getty
Queen Elizabeth II's love for corgis in particular has been documented over the years. Getty
Queen Elizabeth, who owned at least 30 corgis in her lifetime, was passionate about the breed, having successfully bred 15 generations of the dogs in the past.
They descended from her first corgi, Susan, who she was gifted for her 18th birthday.
The Queen stopped breeding the line in 2015, as she "did not want to leave any behind," after her death, according to horse trainer and long-time adviser to the Queen, Monty Roberts.
However, she broke her own rule and decided to adopt Lissy back in January.
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The Queen once reportedly said that her "corgis were family". The Royal Family/Instagram
The Queen owned at least 30 corgis in her lifetime. Getty
A decision about Lissy's future is expected to be made by King Charles III in the coming weeks.
Speaking of the Queen's passion for dogs, royal biographer Ingrid Seward told Newsweek, "She loves animals and she absolutely adores dogs.
"She always has done, they were her first love and they will be her last."
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It is said the Queen preferred corgis to other breeds because of their "energy and untamed spirit".
The Queen's state funeral will be held on Monday, September 19 at Westminster Abbey in London.
You can watch the funeral on Channel 9, 9Now and at 9news.com.au.
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