Snapping 'moving carpet' – Queen's corgis tested palace loyalties

Never at home unless surrounded by her favourite breed, the Queen championed corgis even though courtiers feared for their ankles

They were as emblematic of British royalty as the crown: Queen Elizabeth II's corgis, preceding her like a moving carpet" wherever she was resident, were the other royal dynasty to inspire worldwide fascination.

They featured in portraits, official photographs and on a golden jubilee Isle of Man crown, and were even immortalised in china.