The Queen is known for her love of corgis, but resisted the urge to add another to her brood on Tuesday - despite the best efforts of Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden. Her Majesty was introduced to a corgi called Beama during her visit to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
The 12-year-old dog was returned to the kennels just a few days ago, after his elderly owner went into a home and could not look after him.
The adorable dog was decorated with a Union Jack for the occasion, and couldn't resist settling down for a sleep despite his high-profile visitors – much to the Queen's amusement.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Queen met corgi Beama at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
However, she could not be persuaded to adopt the corgi, even though the television presenter and Battersea ambassador tried her best to sway her.
"You are not tempted to take a corgi home?" Amanda asked when introduced to the Queen and Prince Philip.
"Not at the moment, no," The Queen replied.
© Photo: Getty ImagesAmanda Holden tried to persuade The Queen to adopt a corgi
Her Majesty has loved corgis since she was a girl and once owned a huge pack of dogs, however, she has allowed the number of pets she owns to dwindle as she has got older. She currently owns two corgis, Holly and Willow, and two dorgis called Candy and Vulcan.
The Queen visited the animal rescue centre with Prince Philip to open its new Mary Tealby Kennels. The state-of-the-art kennels, which have been named after the centre's founder, will provide accommodation for 56 animals and cost £4.8million to develop.
The royal couple were welcomed by a "dog guard of honour" which comprised a dozen of the 9000 dogs that come to the centre each year. The Queen, who has been royal patron of the rescue centre for almost 60 years, also greeted the centre's other celebrity ambassadors including David Gandy, who later said it was an honour to meet her.
