17 Beloved Companions: Fascinating Tales of Historic Pets and Their World Famous Masters

Queen Victoria and Dash

Queen Victoria's King Charles Spaniel, Dash, was a constant companion during her early reign. In fact, on the day of her coronation, Victoria had given explicit instructions for Dash to be bathed and groomed while she was away. When she returned to Buckingham Palace after the ceremony, she eagerly ran upstairs—still dressed in her coronation robes—to reunite with her beloved dog who was waiting for her. Dash's loyalty and affection provided comfort and companionship to the queen during her rein and his death was a profound loss for Victoria. Queen Victoria had Dash buried on the grounds of Windsor Castle, a place of significance for the royal family, with a beautifully inscribed headstone to mark his grave.