Prince Andrew was seen stopping to pet the Queen’s beloved corgis as they awaited the late monarch’s coffin in Windsor Castle this afternoon.
Sandy and Muick were the final dogs the Queen owned and had been gifted by the Duke of York last year, despite Her Majesty saying she would adopt no more pets in case she died.
Since her death in Balmoral the dogs have been looked after by Andrew, ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and their daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
Today, ahead of his mother’s burial in Windsor Castle alongside her husband of 70 years Prince Philip, Andrew was spotted with the dogs outside the royal residence.
Afterwards he seemed to stop for a brief chat as the family prepare for this afternoon’s private burial.
In the months leading up to the Queen's death, it is believed Andrew and his ex-wife had been walking the dogs on the royal grounds.
Earlier Andrew had joined the rest of the Royal Family walking directly behind the Queen’s coffin as it was moved between Westminster Hall and Westminster Abbey.
Unlike his siblings and the King, Charles III, who wore official uniforms, Andrew wore a morning suit for the solemn occasion.
Said to be the Queen's favourite son, the Duke stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.
He went on to pay millions to settle a civil sexual assault case to Virginia Giuffre. Before this, the Queen stripped him of all of his honorary military roles, including Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and he gave up his HRH style.
However, he joined his family in mourning following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II with sources saying it would be 'out of the question' for him to be excluded.
Several people have shared concerns for the two corgis since the Queen’s death in Balmoral.
Last weekend mourners outside Buckingham Palace took the chance to ask Prince William how the dogs were faring.
Clasping the woman’s hand, he answered: “I saw them the other day.
“They're going to be looked after fine, they're two very friendly corgis and they've got a good home."
They're being looked after very well, spoiled rotten I'm sure."
Last week Andrew said in a tribute to his late mother: "Your Majesty, it has been an honour and privilege to serve you.
"Mother - of the nation, your devotion and personal service to our nation is unique and singular; your people show their love and respect in so many different ways and I know you are looking on honouring their respect.
"Mummy, your love for a son, your compassion, your care, your confidence I will treasure forever.
"I have found your knowledge and wisdom infinite, with no boundary or containment."
