Animals That Were Once Pets of Royalty

Introduction: Royalty’s Unlikely Companions

Throughout history, royalty has been associated with grandeur, power, and opulence. Kings and queens lived in palatial homes, surrounded by wealth and fine things, but perhaps one of the most endearing and often overlooked aspects of their lives were the animals they kept as pets. These animals weren’t just ordinary companions—they were often extravagant, exotic, and sometimes downright peculiar. From tigers to monkeys, royal families have had some of the most unusual pets, and each one tells a unique story about the personalities and preferences of the rulers who kept them.

This article takes you on a journey through time, exploring the fascinating world of the animals that once belonged to royalty. While most of us think of dogs and cats as common household pets, the animals of royal courts were far more extravagant, symbolizing the wealth, power, and sometimes the eccentricity of their owners.

The Royal Tiger: A Symbol of Power and Prestige

When we think of royal pets, the first image that might come to mind is a majestic dog or a beautiful horse. But in the courts of India and Persia, tigers were considered the ultimate symbol of power and prestige. One of the most famous tiger owners in history was the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great of India. Akbar was known for his fascination with animals, and his love for tigers was legendary. He kept a private menagerie, which housed many wild animals, including tigers, and some were even trained for battle.

The tiger was more than just a symbol of wealth for Akbar—it was a reflection of his rule over a vast empire. Akbar’s love for these creatures was so intense that he even commissioned detailed artwork of tigers, which became a part of the Mughal royal court’s visual legacy. The presence of a tiger in the royal palace was not only a source of admiration but also a reminder of the emperor's strength and fearlessness.

Elephants in Royal Courts: Majestic Beasts of Burden

Another fascinating royal pet was the elephant. These grand animals, often associated with royalty in ancient India and Southeast Asia, were not just prized for their size and strength, but for their intelligence and majesty. The use of elephants in warfare, transportation, and ceremonies became synonymous with the grandeur of royal families.

One particularly famous elephant is Hanno, the prized elephant of King Charlemagne of the Holy Roman Empire. Hanno was gifted to Charlemagne by the Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid, and the elephant made a great impression at the royal court. Hanno’s presence symbolized the connections between the East and West, and the rare sight of such an animal further cemented Charlemagne's status as a ruler of great power.

In India, elephants played an even more significant role in royal life. Kings and emperors would often ride elephants in grand processions and use them in ceremonial events. These majestic creatures were a symbol of royal authority, grace, and wisdom. The elephant, revered for its strength and nobility, was often seen as a spiritual and royal companion in many royal courts across Asia.

Queen Victoria's Monkeys: A Royal Curiosity

Queen Victoria of England was known for her love of animals, and her royal menagerie was filled with a variety of creatures. Among the most famous were her monkeys. In fact, Queen Victoria owned a pet monkey named Whitey, a Barbary ape, and was incredibly fond of him. He was often seen accompanying her in private moments, and her affection for him was well-documented in her diaries.

But Queen Victoria didn’t stop at one monkey. She also had a second, named Jacko, who was a gift from her son, the Prince of Wales. Jacko became a beloved member of the royal family, amusing both Queen Victoria and her court with his antics. The presence of these monkeys in the royal household added an element of whimsy and curiosity to the otherwise formal environment of the British monarchy.

The monkeys weren’t just cute companions; they were also a reflection of the Victorian fascination with the exotic. As European powers expanded their empires, new and unusual animals were brought back to royal courts, and Queen Victoria’s menagerie was a symbol of the British Empire’s growing reach and its connection to the farthest corners of the world.

Catherine the Great and Her Greyhounds: Elegance in Motion

Catherine the Great of Russia was another monarch known for her affection for animals, and among her favorites were greyhounds. These sleek, elegant dogs were often found at the Russian royal court, accompanying Catherine on hunts and in leisurely strolls around her palace. She was particularly fond of her greyhounds, and they were a symbol of her refined taste and love for grace.

Catherine’s greyhounds were more than just pets; they were a symbol of her love for art and culture. The Russian court was known for its appreciation of beauty, and greyhounds, with their graceful appearance and fast, agile movements, embodied the aesthetic of the Russian aristocracy. These dogs were often depicted in royal portraits, reinforcing their status as a mark of elegance and sophistication in the royal court.

King Charles II and His Spaniels: A Royal Obsession

King Charles II of England had an especially close bond with his dogs—specifically, his Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. These small, affectionate dogs were always by his side, and King Charles II’s obsession with them was so intense that he issued an edict that no one in his court could own a dog other than a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

The King’s deep affection for these dogs became legendary, and they even became known as "King Charles Spaniels" in honor of their royal patron. His love for these dogs was so well-known that portraits of King Charles II often featured him surrounded by his beloved spaniels. Today, the breed remains a symbol of the English monarchy, representing both the king’s personal taste and the bond between humans and animals.

The Royal Swan: A Symbol of Grace and Majesty

One of the most fascinating royal animals in history is the swan. In England, swans were traditionally kept by the monarchy, and it is even considered a crime to kill or harm a swan in the UK. The monarch has the "royal prerogative" over all unmarked swans in open water, a tradition that dates back to the 12th century.

King Henry VIII of England famously declared that swans would be considered the property of the crown, and this law remains in place today. The swan became a symbol of regal authority, grace, and beauty. These birds, often seen on the royal estates and rivers, were regarded as a part of the monarchy’s heritage and were sometimes even gifted to foreign monarchs as a sign of goodwill and diplomacy.

Conclusion: A Regal Legacy of Pet Companions

The animals that once shared royal palaces were far more than just pets—they were symbols of power, prestige, and often exotic wonder. From tigers and elephants to monkeys and greyhounds, these royal pets were intertwined with the cultures, values, and dreams of the rulers who kept them. They were not merely companions, but reflections of a monarch’s reign, a symbol of their empire, or a testament to their personal eccentricities. Whether used as status symbols, political tools, or sources of comfort, these animals left an indelible mark on history.

The stories of royal pets remind us that, throughout time, animals have been more than just creatures that we care for—they’ve also been companions who have shaped history in remarkable and unexpected ways.

Q&A: Your Questions About Royal Pets

Q: Why did royalty keep such exotic animals as pets?

A: Royalty often kept exotic animals as symbols of power, wealth, and prestige. These animals were rare and often difficult to obtain, making them a sign of the ruler’s ability to command the farthest reaches of the world.

Q: What was the significance of King Charles II's Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?

A: King Charles II’s love for these dogs was legendary. His affection for them was so strong that he declared they were the only breed allowed in his court, making them a symbol of both his personal taste and royal power.

Q: How did swans become associated with royalty?

A: Swans were considered a symbol of grace and majesty. King Henry VIII declared that all unmarked swans in open water were the property of the crown, a tradition that continues today, reflecting the monarchy’s connection to nature.

Q: Did other royal families have monkeys as pets?

A: Yes, several royal families kept monkeys as pets. Queen Victoria had monkeys like Whitey and Jacko, and they were beloved companions, symbolizing the Victorian fascination with the exotic and rare animals brought back from colonies.

Q: Were animals like elephants used for more than companionship in royal courts?

A: Yes, elephants, particularly in India and Southeast Asia, were used for ceremonial purposes, warfare, and as a symbol of royal power. They were a mark of strength and wisdom and often took part in grand royal processions.