Queen Elizabeth Is Reportedly Mourning the Loss of Her Dog, Vulcan

It's been a tough few weeks for royal dogs. In late November, the Cambridges' English Cocker Spaniel Lupo died, and the royal couple confirmed the news in a somber Instagram post (opens in new tab).

"Very sadly last weekend our dear dog, Lupo, passed away. He has been at the heart of our family for the past nine years and we will miss him so much," wrote Will and Kate on social media, signing the post personally with a simple "W & C."

Now, several royal correspondents are reporting that the Queen's dog Vulcan, a dachshund-corgi mix, has also passed away during lockdown.

Buckingham Palace has yet to comment publicly on the dog's death, but per the Daily Mail's Rebecca English: "The Queen is mourning the loss of one of her last two remaining dogs just weeks before Christmas. Loyal companion Vulcan, a dachshund-corgi cross, died a few weeks ago at Windsor." On Twitter, English also noted that Vulcan's death leaves the British monarch "with just one remaining animal, Candy, also a Dorgi."

The Queen and Prince Philip are currently social distancing at Windsor Castle, where they will remain for the holiday season, breaking a decades-long royal tradition of traveling to Sandringham to celebrate Christmas.

“Having considered all the appropriate advice, the Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh have decided that this year they will spend Christmas quietly in Windsor,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told T&C.

Fortunately, Christmas decorations just went up at the royal residence (opens in new tab), hopefully brightening spirits during this difficult time.