We reported last week that King Charles' brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is not living alone on the Sandringham estate. While he has been exiled from the royal family, the former prince, who was stripped of his royal titles and honours in November 2025, shares his home with seven dogs, including his mother Queen Elizabeth II's beloved corgis, Muick and Sandy.
Andrew and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, took on the dogs following Queen Elizabeth's death in 2022, and the late monarch's son took custody of the animals when they vacated Royal Lodge.
While Andrew has been shunned by his family, his seven dogs are likely providing solace, as relationship expert Anna Williamson explains: "Pets are uncompromising and can give an enormous source of comfort. In fact, pets are proven to be incredibly beneficial for reducing anxiety and low mood."
© Getty ImagesOur furry friends can boost our happy hormones dopamine and oxytocin, thanks to the unconditional affection they provide.
Here's the support Andrew is likely receiving from Muick, Sandy and the others…
1. A strong bond
"Owning a pet creates an incredible bond between the animal and their owner," explains qualified veterinary nurse Rebecca Wigley-Smith. "The love and affection offered in return is almost unparalleled and provides owners a rare and privileged comfort."
© Bav Media2. Soothed anxiety
"Animals are often incredibly relaxing creatures to have around the house," says Rebecca. "Pets can often offer a sense of peace and tranquillity when the everyday stresses of life become too much.
"Pets can intuitively sense when their owner is feeling stressed or anxious and will tap into this to offer comfort, love and affection, potentially beyond that of a fellow human. The companionship, loyalty and devotion a pet can offer is so strong that this can often alleviate the symptoms of anxiety," Rebecca explains.
3. No judgement
With Andrew under intense scrutiny at present, he is likely relieved that pets don’t get bogged down by human-specific problems.
"As an owner, you might be feeling down about something that's happened at work and your animal will comfort you without question, which can help you to forget what it was you were feeling down about," says Rebecca.
4. Pets are part of the family
While Andrew is distanced from his family at present, with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson currently AWOL, his dogs are providing familial comfort.
"Pets truly become a part of the family; in almost all cases, they are incredibly loving and make for wonderful companions," says Rebecca. "It’s human nature to become attached to such loyalty and this in turn offers a wealth of comfort - pets are often the final puzzle piece to many loving families."
Which pet is the most comforting?
As well as dogs, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is known for his love of horses. Workmen have been seen renovating the stables at his new home, plus he was seen last week looking at new horses.
While horses aren't as cuddly as corgis, Rebecca says any animal can provide comfort - it's more about the relationship you have with your fluffy friend than the animal itself.
"No one pet offers more comfort than another," she says. "Ask a dog owner and they would of course say a dog, then ask a cat or a rabbit owner and they’d say their pet.
"Many pets have a varying degree of intuitive senses, and these can lend themselves to picking up on the owner's emotions and helping calm or relax them when needed. Animals really are quite amazing," Rebecca continues. "They always seem to know what you need, when you need it."
