James Middletonis rememberingQueen Elizabeth.
Kate Middleton’s younger brother was inspired to name one of his newgolden retriever puppieswith a royal moniker as a way to honor the late monarch, who “peacefully” died on September 8 and was laid to rest in astate funerallast week.
In conversation withHello!, James, 35, revealed that the pup will be called Bertie, the sweet family nickname forQueen Elizabeth’s father,King George VI, whose first name was Albert.
“In light of recent events, I wanted a name that is a touching tribute to the late Queen,” James explained.
The puppy, born in August to the Ella & Co. founder’s dog Mabel, has another thing in common with the Queen: a life of service, as he is training to become a guide dog.
Ella & Co/Instagram
Taking the first step in the journey, James recently dropped off Bertie at a Guide Dogs hub in England, where the pup will train in hopes of becoming a partner to someone who is blind or visually impaired.
On Bertie’s future, James said, “It was incredible that the Queen dedicated her life to service, and in many ways Bertie the dog will be dedicating his life to service too.”
James Middleton/Instagram
“It is extraordinary to see how many people’s lives Her Majesty touched, not just in our country, but in the Commonwealth and around the world,” he says of the Queen’s impact. “My eyes have been opened even wider to that.”
Royal Collection Trust/Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
On the day the Queen died, Guide Dogs shared a sweet throwback photo of the monarch petting a golden retriever who was part of their program. The service dog was ready for the royal, with a Union Jack flag adorning their harness.
Anwar Hussein/WireImage
“The Queen met many guide dogs and service users throughout her reign and visited some of our sites to learn about our work,” Guide Dogs wrote in anInstagram post.
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Particularly passionate about dogs and horses,Queen Elizabethwas a lifelong animal lover and kept corgis her entire adult life. In a heartbreaking salute, on the day of her funeral, two of her corgisstood with aidesto welcome her coffin to Windsor Castle before the committal service at St. George’s Chapel.
Queen Elizabeth’s corgis at her funeral.GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty
During a chat with mourners ahead of the Queen’s funeral,Prince Williamsaid his Grannie’s corgis are in good hands.
“They’ll be looked after very well.Spoiled rotten, I’m sure,” he said.
source: people.com
