Royal Christmas Marred By Tragic Attack

by ANC Staff

Christmas has been marred by tragedy this year for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who is said to be 'absolutely devastated' by the death of Pharos, one of her most elderly and beloved Corgis, after a savage attack by a bull terrier.

Pharos had to be euthanized on Tuesday morning after being attacked on Monday by a bull terrier belonging to the Queen's daughter Princess Anne.

The incident happened when Princess Anne arrived at Sandringham, one of the Queen's English estates, to spend Christmas with the Queen. As the princess entered the house with several of her bull terriers, Pharos trotted eagerly forward to greet her. One of the terriers then savaged the corgi.

The Queen and others at the scene tried desperately to separate the dogs, but by the time the attack was over the terrier had wounded the corgi so badly that he spent the night in intensive care and royal vets had to euthanize him the following morning.

It is not the first time that one of Princess Anne's bull terriers has behaved aggressively. In November 2002 she was fined £500 for letting her bull terrier Dotty run out of control, after the dog bit two young children in Windsor Great Park.

The Queen is known to be extremely fond of her little family of corgis, who are frequently seen running around freely at Buckingham Palace, following the Queen around as she goes about her duties. The Queen recently underwent surgery on her knee and face and was still recovering from that trauma when Pharos, who was one of her oldest and dearest dogs, met his tragic fate.

According to The Sun newspaper, a royal insider stated, "His death has left her deeply saddened. Everyone knows what the corgis mean to her. They are loyal, faithful and cherished ... The incident has certainly put a damper on the Christmas holiday. It's terrible and everyone at Sandringham is very upset."

Princess Anne is also said to be distressed by the tragedy.

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.