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The Queen's Faithful Companion: A Heartwarming Novel of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, Beloved Corgi Susan, and the Royal Family

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The Queen's Faithful Companion has descriptive copy which is not yet available from the Publisher.

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2024

64 people are currently reading
7648 people want to read

About the author

Eliza Knight

142 books1,934 followers
Eliza Knight is an award winning, USA Today and international bestselling author. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles and ran through the fields in Southern France. She can still remember standing before the great golden palace, and imagining what life must have been like. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, her weekends were filled with visits to museums, and historical reenactments. Escape into history for courageous heroines, irresistible heroes and daring escapades. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting historical journeys that cross landscapes around the world. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Novelists, Inc., the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and a co-host on the History, Books and Wine podcast. Eliza also writes contemporary women's fiction as Michelle Brandon.

While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she tries to keep up with her three not-so-little children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.

CONFESSIONS OF A GRAMMAR QUEEN out now! LOST IN THE SUMMER OF '69 out June 9, 2026!

For more information about book club visits, downloadable reader guides, upcoming author events, book news, newsletter and more, visit her website: www.elizaknight.com

If you love history and want to dive in for some fun, visit Eliza's popular, award-winning blog:
http://historyundressed.com or her history podcast: https://historybooksandwinepodcast.bu...

To connect on social media, visit/follow Eliza at the following:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizaknightfi...
Instagram: @ElizaKnightFiction

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
Profile Image for Karen.
2,629 reviews1,294 followers
December 28, 2024
Let me just get this point out of the way. How could I not read a story that features a corgi?!

For those of you who don’t know this about me, I am a Corgi Mom. My husband and I currently have two cardigan corgi boys, Oliver and Oscar. If you go to my profile page, I have pictures.

Prior to these two sweet boys, we had, Riley, Bailey, Owen, Sadie and Otto. Although, Otto was with us briefly. (I will explain the “briefly” in a moment.)

All of those precious pups I just mentioned above, (other than Oliver and Oscar) were Pembroke corgis that were part of our family between 2000 – February 2024. And yes, there is a difference between cardigans and Pembrokes.

Bailey, Owen and Otto were Pembrokes with a tail. Not common for Pembroke corgis. People typically know American Pembroke corgis for their wiggly butts (docked tails).

Riley, Bailey, and Sadie lived a long corgi life (Sadie, our only girl, having recently passed, just last month, in February 2024).

Unfortunately, our dear Owen, passed at a young age of only 8 years from lymphoma, in January 2024. 😢 Yes, we tragically lost 2 of our corgis a month to the day of each other. We are still coping from this loss. ❤️‍🩹

Otto was a rather rambunctious puppy of about 11 months old (we had him since he was 8 weeks old), that we gave to our niece last year (2023), where he now lives happily in Tennessee with her.

We added cardigan corgis to our life, when we got Oliver 5 years ago in 2018, and Oscar, who also is a fluffy, in 2022. Cardigan corgis always have tails, thank goodness!

So, for the last *25 years, we have had corgis happily controlling our lives. And we wouldn’t change a moment.

*Side note: a friend of ours created a special photo: 20 Years of Corgis. I have included that photo on my profile page. It includes the dogs we have had from years 2000-2020.

When Goodreads giveaways offered this book, I was like, “are you kidding, this book was meant for me to read and review!” Right?

And, when this book arrived via UPS on March 18 it was like Christmas all over again!

And lastly, even as an American who has attended (via flatscreen) every Royal wedding – (other than Queen Elizabeth – I was not born yet), I will do my best, to provide a fair and unbiased review. I will allow you readers to be the best judge of that.

Now…on to the review. I know, you were wondering if this would ever actually happen…

The story begins jauntily not too long after King Edward VIII had abdicated the throne to his brother, King George VI (Elizabeth’s father). They are in the midst of World War II against Germany. But as readers we are placed in the beautiful setting of Sandringham Country House in Norfolk, England where there are no signs of war. Just gentle play with the family corgis with Princess Lilibet (Elizabeth) and Margot. And by the end of the chapter, we are learning of Princess Elizabeth’s 18th birthday gift, which will be, her own corgi, soon to be named Susan.

And although the cover of the book appears “real,” this is a book of historical fiction and an uncorrected proof.

Turning the pages, we learn that Susan has her own narrative voice. Of course, how many of us, wouldn’t like to know what our corgis (dogs) really think of us?

As an example, our Oliver likes to watch television with us. He typically sits at the foot of my recliner chair. And when it has been a while before a dog makes an appearance on the screen – yes, Oliver knows exactly when it happens, he will turn towards me and give me a look! I kid you not. It is that look, that says, “Mom, I have been very patient with you, in watching this program. Where is the dog in the show, you have been promising me?” Needless to say, I can’t begin to count how many times I have been shamefaced by my dog.

Moving on with the review.

The author has obviously done extensive research to give a realistic accounting of Princess Elizabeth’s life through the years, including her courtship and marriage to Philip, her ascent to the throne, and her years as the Queen and mother to her own children through *Christmas 1959.

But everything I just mentioned isn’t the center of the story. The true essence of the read is her relationship with her corgis, most essentially, her very first corgi, Susan.

And this relationship between Susan and the Queen is clearly displayed in a very creative way with Susan’s voice, the character of Hanna (who also has a narrative voice) and Hanna’s father, who is the corgi’s trainer and gamekeeper, respectively.

According to the author in her Author’s note at the back, those 2 characters are inspired by Bill and Nancy Fenwick, the royal gamekeepers – i.e., ‘the keeper of the queen’s corgis.’

There are also insights into their roles as “keepers of the corgis” which has its own challenges in a royal household. But at the same time, can you imagine this as one’s full-time job? Walks. Feeding time. Travelling. Training. Not an ordinary routine life. But, oh what a life!

My greatest moments with this book were with Susan. Of course. I believe Susan had the best lines. As an example…

“Have you ever noticed how good it feels to stretch? Take a moment. I’ll wait.”

Or the moment when Susan was gifted to Princess Lilibet, Susan said…

“Today I became Lilibet’s, but more important, a future queen became mine.”

Of course, Susan will have many adjustments of sharing her Queen, as there is Philip, and then the children they bring into the world. And then of course, Susan will become a parent, too.

But, the bond between Susan and the Queen is quite clearly articulated throughout this delightfully written book.

Even, the Queen had pledged early on to Susan…

“…my service to you until the end of our days together for however long or short that may be, with hopes they last forever.”

Well as we all know, forever doesn’t last. But, love clearly does for any of us who has ever had a fur child.

And as expected, Susan's words can resonate with all of us…

“I feel like she can almost hear me say I love you.”

There is no doubting the love between human and dog. Royalty or not.

Pass the Kleenex please.

Thank you, Goodreads for this gift read.

*Susan, who we have come to understand was the matriarch of 14 generations of royal corgis, had a glorious long corgi life…February 20, 1944 – January 26, 1959.

The Book release date is June 11, 2024!
Profile Image for Karren  Sandercock .
1,313 reviews392 followers
June 7, 2024
A story told from a different and unique perspective, by a dog called Susan, and at the time she was almost as famous as her owner Princess Elizabeth. Susan a Pembroke Corgi was an eighteenth birthday gift to Princess Elizabeth from her father, she was an animal lover and the Windsor's always had Corgis. Susan was the perfect present, she was a symbol of the bond and love between a father and his daughter and maybe King George VI knew Princess Elizabeth would need a fluffy best friend to get her through the demanding days ahead of her.

When Princess Elizabeth’s uncle abdicates the thrown, her father became King and she’s now his heir and the future Queen of England, knowing one day she will have to dedicate her life to the service of her country and the Commonwealth and it's a lot of responsibility for a young woman.

Susan was with her when Princess Elizabeth serves as a driver in the Second World War, while she and Prince Philip were courting, leading up the wedding and she even went with the newlyweds on their honeymoon. Susan would have provided canine comfort when she lost her father and an escape from the pressure of being the Queen, trying to juggle being a wife and mother of two young children.

Hanna Penwyck family have always been in service and worked at Windsor Castle. Hanna becomes the Keeper of the Queen’s Corgis, her job is to look after the dogs, take them for their daily walks, they have their own room in the palace, with custom made beds and a chef who creates their yummy food and treats. Susan's a feisty and funny canine friend to the Queen Elizabeth II, as we know dogs are intelligent, they pick up on their owner’s feelings and emotions, provide companionship and are always delighted to see them, they know routines, words and are loyal.

I received a copy of The Queen's Faithful Companion from William Morrow and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Using a combination of real facts and fiction Eliza Knight has written a wonderful book about royal life, duty, relationships and their love of Corgis. Susan was one pampered and spoilt dog, she loved chasing sticks and nipping at shoes, and I think Prince Philip knew they came as a package deal when he married his bride.

Told from three viewpoints of a young Queen Elizabeth, Hanna Penwyck, the fictionalized Keeper of the Queen’s dogs and she and her husband were based on real people couple and Susan, the Queen’s naughty Corgi, who she loved dearly and I'm sure they have been reunited in heaven. Five stars from me and I highly recommend reading this novel if you’re interested in the English Royal Family and their pets and it’s a heart-warming and uplifting story.
Profile Image for Keri Stone.
753 reviews101 followers
July 18, 2025
When Princess Elizabeth turns 18, her father the King, presents her with a Corgi puppy. She grew up with dogs in the family, but this is the first to belong to just her. Susan is a bit of a wild pup, biting chair legs and servants’ legs. But she loves the princess and they form an immediate bond.

Elizabeth never expected life to go the way it has. Her father is king because her uncle abdicated… leaving her to be in the line of succession. We get to know Elizabeth, through the end of the war, and as she builds a relationship with Philip. They met and became pen pals when she was younger, but as they spend time together and correspond, and as Elizabeth grows older, a relationship grows. During this time her father’s health deteriorates, she marries, has children…

Susan is a constant in her life. Hanna also has been in her life. Her family has worked for the crown, and she knew Elizabeth when they were younger girls. She is a natural with dogs and animals, and in time she becomes the Keeper of the Queen’s Corgis. She helps rein in Susan, but also the future Corgis.

This is such a sweet and delightful book. We have 3 POV, Elizabeth, Hanna, and Susan. Yes, Susan the Corgi shares her thoughts and impressions. I loved seeing this historical fiction slice of Queen Elizabeth’s life, her marriage and family, and to see how much joy and comfort she received from her dogs.
Profile Image for Dianne.
1,845 reviews158 followers
May 25, 2024
It is a lovely, cozy book about the life of Queen Elizabeth and her precious Corgi Susan. She got her first one from her Father at the age of 18, and we know that she had one right up until she passed away.

However, this is also a story of Elizabeth's life and her passionate love of Prince Phillip and, eventually, her children. This book blends Elizabeth's life, dealing with her father's illnesses and death, her ascension to the throne, issues with Margaret, and the births of Charles and Anne. In between, we hear thoughts from the Official Corgi keeper, Hanna, and even chapters from Susan.

If you are not an avid dog lover, this may not be the book for you. I was expecting a little more of the royal life with just a blending of the dogs. But all in all, this was a compelling novel and one that I enjoyed.

ARC* Supplied by the publisher William Morrow, the author, and NetGalley.
Profile Image for Kayla.
518 reviews542 followers
June 3, 2024
Loved! This is a historical fiction about Queen Elizabeth’s early life, but framed through her relationship with her first Corgi, Susan. Told my Elizabeth, Susan herself, and the Royal dog trainer. I always enjoy reading about the queens early life - especially the WWII years and when she and Philip were courting. I already know so much about her so nothing was new to me but I really enjoyed reading her story through the lense of her love for her dogs. Out 6/11
Profile Image for Rae Franco-Rowe.
118 reviews5 followers
May 26, 2024
What a wonderful story of Queen Elizabeth II and her faithful companion, Susan. Susan was a gift to Elizabeth for her 18th birthday from her Father, King George VI. Susan was a loyal Corgi to Lilabet, as she called her. She was with her during her time during WWII service, when she fell in love and married Prince Philp, during time her father passed away, when she became Queen and through the beginning of running her country and when she had her first child.

I loved reading the book and especially loved the parts when Susan told us her feelings. There were many corgis during the 15 years Susan was Elizabeth's close companion. Knowing this is fictional, but the history was well research and loved the history aspect, as I always do. In the story, Susan had a corgi keeper named Hanna Penwyck, and she loved her as much as much as Elizabeth did. Hanna cared for the dogs as if they were her own. Hanna and Elizabeth had a friendship where they could talk openly with one another.

I truly loved this book and do look forward to reading it again in the future. Thank you to Netgally and Harper Collins for allowing me to read it before publication. And to Eliza Knight for writing such a wonderful book.
Profile Image for Lisa.
259 reviews7 followers
December 24, 2023
I received an ARC of this book and highly recommend it. Being both a huge dog-lover and a fan of Queen Elizabeth, I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Queen Elizabeth and her devoted Corgi, Susan. The book was well-researched and I particularly enjoyed reading from the different point-of-views of the characters, especially Susan’s. The story really tugged at my heart as there were parts I laughed out loud and parts that made me tear up. I really enjoyed this book!
Profile Image for Kristi.
629 reviews9 followers
February 29, 2024
This was a very sweet and easy read. Even though it is fiction I felt like I got a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth as a person and a dog lover.

Everyone thinks royal life is easy but I think it would be exhausting living in the public eye constantly and having every move criticized. Susan was a safe place for Elizabeth and with her she could just be herself. It was nice to read about those moments. I loved reading Susan's thoughts about things. The author did a great job of writing from the dog's perspective.

The ending was a bit abrupt for me and I wasn't expecting it to end in such a way but overall I found this book a nice, relaxing read and one I would pick up again.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Stephanie Daige.
271 reviews21 followers
June 19, 2024
The Queen's Faithful Companion is pawsitively 🐾 adorable!

I enjoyed every moment of this book! It was so enjoyable to visit a little corner of history and learn about Queen Elizabeth II's special relationship with her corgis.

The chapters told from Susan's POV (the matriarch of the Windor Corgi Line) are heartwarming and insightful.

I appreciate the author's note at the end, which explains what was factual in the book, and what was fictional.

I especially enjoyed reading this book with my own four-legged furry companion, my ginger cat, Garfield.

Thanks to William Morrow for providing an Advanced Reader Copy through #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Literary Redhead.
2,700 reviews692 followers
January 29, 2024
Such a touching book about the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the time she received her first Corgi puppy at age 18, through her marriage, death of her father, ascension to the throne, and birth of son Charles.

I have always adored the Queen and was intrigued to learn more of her life through this charming novel that offers much of the story via Corgi Susan and Hanna Penwyck, a fictionalized Keeper of the Queen’s dogs. A perfect tale for those who love the Queen, her famous Corgis, the Royal family, and endearing canine companions.

Merged review:

Such a touching book about the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the time she received her first Corgi puppy at age 18, through her marriage, death of her father, ascension to the throne, and birth of son Charles.

I have always adored the Queen and was intrigued to learn more of her life through this charming novel that offers much of the story via Corgi Susan and Hanna Penwyck, a fictionalized Keeper of the Queen’s dogs. A perfect tale for those who love the Queen, her famous Corgis, the Royal family, and endearing canine companions.
Profile Image for Alison.
62 reviews
July 3, 2024
Cute and fluffy story! Easy to read and fun for dog lovers. I knew very little about Queen Elizabeth so it was fun to learn more about some of the events in her early life, even if it was fictionalized. The book leans towards wholesome and middle grade view of history and relationships, which wasn’t my taste. Still a cute read.

Thanks to the Goodreads giveaway!
Profile Image for Jennifer Cash.
340 reviews16 followers
June 11, 2024
I love the Royal Family! Anytime a book comes out about the Royals—fiction or nonfiction—I want to read it! Eliza Knight’s latest historical fiction novel, The Queen’s Faithful Companion, is a delightful novel about Queen Elizabeth II and her beloved corgi, Susan.

The Queen’s Faithful Companion is told from three points of view: Queen Elizabeth II, Hannah Penwyck, the loyal keeper of the Queen’s corgis, and Susan—yes, the dog! The novel spans time, beginning with a young Princess Elizabeth when she is gifted Susan on her 18th birthday, following her journey to becoming a wife, mother, and ultimately, Queen. No matter what happens in her life, Susan is by her side, her loyal and faithful companion who offers her unconditional love. At the heart of this book is a story about the love between a dog and its person.

This was such a feel-good read, and I adored every page! I loved the unique concept of providing multiple narrators—including Susan’s POV, which was rather amusing! If you enjoy books about the Royals, are a dog lover, or enjoy historical fiction, you will want to add The Queen’s Faithful Companion to your summer reading list!

Thank you to William Morrow for the gifted copy!

Profile Image for Booksandcoffeemx.
2,465 reviews122 followers
July 10, 2024
What an adorable and heartwarming story!
You know I love dogs and this book was simply impossible to resist. Three different point of views tell a moving story about Queen Elizabeth. A story about love that will warm your heart.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and William Morrow for this tour invite.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 by Eliza Knight released June 11, 2024.
4 reviews
June 1, 2024
This book is camp. Either you're willing to read an entirely fictional book about queen elizabeth II and her dog, susan, or you aren't.
Profile Image for Phyllis.
1,155 reviews62 followers
July 1, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley & William Morrow for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book – it checked several of my boxes: irresistable, heartwarming topic, well-researched, based on fact, and even the book cover was engaging. Told from three points of view: Queen Elizabeth II (known to her family as Lilibet), her corgi Susan, and Hanna Penwyck, the (fictional) Keeper of the Queen’s dogs. The book begins when Lilibet is an 18-year-old princess and is given her first corgi by her father, King George.

The author explains that she researched “many biographies, memoirs, articles, documentaries, videos, and news coverage from the time period, including traveling to London. My purpose in writing this book was to show that while she was a queen, Queen Elizabeth was also a woman and a dog lover, and I wanted to emphasize what a special bond she had with her corgis.”

Mission accomplished! The special bond is beautifully described, and the chapters told from Susan’s point of view are both humorous and poignant. For example, Susan thinks: “I’m not certain why we dogs can sense those things. There’s something in the human-dog connection that makes us fully aware of our people’s feelings. It is a gift, for it tells us how to respond. It was as if the moment Lilibet touched me, a sense of calm filled her.”

In addition to the relationship between Lilibet and Susan, the story compellingly tells of Lilibet’s life experiences: her engagement and marriage to Prince Phillip, her efforts to do her bit during World War II, her father’s health decline and eventual passing, becoming Queen, the birth of her children and juggling motherhood with work. Her relationship with her sister is also a factor in her life. She must deal with the media (including the paparazzi), be alert to her image, and always be aware that she would never be an ordinary person.

The facts about the royal corgis were fascinating – they really did have their own bedroom, footmen, and chefs in addition to the Royal Dog Watcher.

This is a tender-hearted book for those who enjoy stories of the Royal family, dog lovers, history buffs, and reading about the struggles of Queen Elizabeth to be a monarch as well as a wife, a mother and a friend. I highly recommend!
Profile Image for Trish.
663 reviews
June 16, 2024
The Queen's Faithful Companion is a historical novel that tells the story of Queen Elizabeth and her beloved corgi, Susan. The story is told from three viewpoints: Queen Elizabeth (beginning at age 13 in 1939, through the 1950's); Hanna, her dog trainer and childhood friend from Girl Guides (daughter of the Royal Family's gamekeeper); and Susan, a very special corgi.

I wanted to read this novel because I love historical fiction. I was a great fan of The Crown and admire Queen Elizabeth. I also have a sweet little corgi mix and love this breed of dog!

I absolutely loved this book, and it is sure to be high on my top 10 list for the year. The story of Queen Elizabeth spanned from her 13th birthday when she received Susan as a special surprise from her father, through her marriage, coronation, and the first few years of her reign. Susan was a great companion and comfort to her during these eventful years.

Susan tells part of the story too, observing the world from a charming dog's-eye view. The Susan sections were my favorite part of the book and they are sure to delight other dog lovers as well.

Hanna, who took care of Susan and the queen's other corgis, and who was a personal friend of the queen, also had a voice in the story, and brings a lot of insights and down-to-earth humanity to life with the royal family.

I highly recommend The Queen's Faithful Companion to fans of historical fiction, especially for anyone interested in the life of Queen Elizabeth, anyone who loves dogs, and anyone who loves corgis. My corgi Daisy adds me in giving an enthusiastic four paws up for this book!
Profile Image for Linda Zagon.
1,691 reviews213 followers
June 3, 2024
Eliza Knight, the Author of “The Queen’s Faithful Companion” has written a delightful, enjoyable, captivating and intriguing Historical Fiction Book about Queen Elizabeth II’s first royal fur companion Susan. The author vividly describes the scenery, the locations, the historical highlights and the Complex Characters in this well written novel. The novel starts with an 18 year young Princess Elizabeth and her special Birthday gift, picked out by her father, the esteemed King of England. He brings home a Corgi, and Elizabeth names her Susan. While Elizabeth participates in England’s volunteer war efforts, Susan is watched by Hanna.

One part of the story is narrated by Susan, the Corgi, who loves and is very loyal to the Queen. As a dog-lover, I enjoyed some of the spirited dog’s adventures, and mishaps. When Elizabeth starts dating Philip, Susan is quite taken with Philip’s trouser bottoms, and has to learn to get along with Philip. Being quite feisty and nippy, not all of the staff are big fans of Susan.

It is very touching when Elizabeth marries, has Charles and Ann, and becomes the Queen of England. If Susan could speak, she certainly would tell “tales”. I love the way Eliza Knight provides Susan’s interpretations and feelings. Susan also has puppies. The Royal Corgis are never sold, but given as gifts to special people. I highly recommend this memorable historical book.
Profile Image for Nicole Fincher.
99 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2024
I am a huge sucker for books with a dog or any animal in them, but this book goes a bit further and has chapters written from Susan's perspective. Susan happens to be the Queen's Corgi, yes, Queen Elizabeth II!
The story gives an inside look at what it may have looked and felt like to be a royal and live every day knowing that one day you would be Queen. We see Elizabeth at different stages of her life from a young Princess Lilibet, to Philip's little cabbage, to Queen Elizabeth II and get a little insight at what her life may have looked like beyond the castle walls.
We also see her through the friendship that she had with Hannah, the royal keeper of the corgis. Hannah is the daughter of the gamekeeper at Windsor Castle. When she comes back with a broken arm after leaving to work as a mechanic for the ATS during the war, Hannah is volunteered into dog service while she recuperates. She is eventually made the Royal Keeper of the Corgis and has a special relationship with the Queen and the dogs.
My favorite chapters are Susan's. I am one of those pet people that speaks for my animals, so seeing the relationship and love that Susan had for her Lilibet and for Hannah was just heartwarming. It brings such an special and unique perspective to the book, and Eliza wrote these chapters with such amazing insight and love.
If there were more than 5 Stars to give, then this book would paws down earn them!
Profile Image for Debbie Rozier.
1,345 reviews84 followers
June 27, 2024
After reading this historical fiction written in 5 parts that tells about Elizabeth from 1939-1959, I feel like I need to watch more documentaries about her. I’m enamored.

The book does tell about Elizabeth from teenager to wife to mother to queen but the main part of this read is Elizabeth’s relationship with her first corgi, Susan.

Susan was given as a gift from Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, for her 18th birthday.

The best part of this book is that it is told in 3 points of view: Elizabeth, Susan, and Hanna who was the corgi caregiver.

I love all the relationships in this book both between the humans and especially with the dogs with their humans.

Susan was not perfect but she loved and supported Elizabeth which is all anyone can really ask of a canine best friend!

This is my favorite type of historical fiction which is based on real people and with the added layer of a dog, it’s a perfect read for me.
Profile Image for Donna Alward.
Author 285 books692 followers
July 31, 2024
If you love stories featuring Royals and are a dog lover, this is the PERFECT book to curl up with! It is a heartwarming, feel-good read that is both refreshingly sweet and beautifully poignant.

Told from three points of view - Elizabeth, Hanna, and Susan, her beloved corgi, we find an endearing story about Elizabeth's life during the "Susan" years: her marriage to Philip, motherhood, the death of the king, and her early days as queen. Hanna, the corgis' caregiver, also has a lovely storyline with a hint of romance. And while I was skeptical of having a dog as a point of view character, I loved Susan's parts - filled with loyalty, love, and an undying fondness for a biscuit.

The Queen's Faithful Companion is the perfect antidote in stressful times - and may actually be my favourite book by Knight thus far.
Profile Image for Beth.
364 reviews
December 18, 2025
Well, it has to be a five-star read because corgi lovers will lose their minds over the sweetness. Still, I give Eliza Knight a lot of credit. Lilibet and Hanna, the corgi keeper, are believable three-dimentional characters. Susan, the matriarch of 14 generations of the Queen's corgis, is quite the thinker. "I wonder, is this meaning of life?" she muses toward the end of the book. I had a corgi named Grace and I'm not sure she pondered life in quite this way, but books and life are two different things, thank God. I needed an escape and this was just the thing! I don't mind telling you, I had a little weep at the end as Queen and corgi look into each other's eyes and say, "I love you."
361 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2024
Fun book - historical fiction from the Queen's corgi!

There are three POV's that tell this story - Elizabeth, Hannah (works for Elizabeth) and Susan (Elizabeth's corgi). The historical part of this book is informative. The story told by the corgi is just so cute - all about things a dog would say in each situation. The story starts when Elizabeth turns 18 years old,. so before she is queen.

This story ends Christmas 1958 - Susan is 15 years old and at the end of her life, This story is about a girl and her dog and the love they have for each other.
417 reviews5 followers
November 30, 2025
A delightful, enjoyable, easy read about Queen Elizabeth and her corgis. Lots of information about life in the palace and fun facts about the royal family. Queen Elizabeth received her first corgi for her 18th birthday from her father and every corgi was a descendant of her beloved Susan. They had their own personal trainers as well as their own chef and their own Corgi Room. She loved her corgis and they adored her. Some chapters were written from the dog's point of view which added to the fun of the story. Elizabeth even smuggled her beloved corgi on her honeymoon! Spending time with her corgis gave her a chance to be "normal", go for a walk, play with her dogs and forget all her responsibilities. They were often her confidants.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kim Snyder.
212 reviews
February 11, 2025
Absolutely loved this book!! I love the Royals (this goes from Elizabeth being a teenager through her being queen. It is a beautiful love story of Phillip and Elizabeth. It is about her love of her corgis and one in particular (Susan). Susan has her own chapters giving a dog perspectives on her loyal companion Elizabeth. Sweet story
Profile Image for Sarah Redmond.
139 reviews
October 29, 2025
This was such a delightful piece of historical fiction! I loved the tone of the book and getting to see Elizabeth as not just Queen, but as a girl who loves her dog very much. Quite a sweet and lovely book that is perfectly accompanied by a cup of tea.
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1,894 reviews23 followers
July 1, 2024
Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @williammorrowbooks for the review copy of The Queen’s Faithful Companion by Eliza Knight.

What is your favorite book featuring dogs? I have so many favorites. One favorite is The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford.

The Queen’s Faithful Companion by Eliza Knight is the story of the extraordinary relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and her faithful corgi, Susan. Susan was a gift from her father, King George VI, on her 18th birthday. Susan is with her through her service in WWII, courtship and marriage to Philip, the birth of her first child Charles, and her accension to the throne. She couldn’t care for her dogs and be Queen without her loyal helpers. Hanna Penwyck helps to care for Susan when she isn’t with the Queen and has her own ups and downs in life.

My thoughts on this novel:
• I really enjoyed the three different viewpoints of this novel – Queen Elizbeth, Susan, and Hanna Penwyck. It was interesting to contrast and compare Elizabeth and Hanna’s lives. They were in the same girl guide troop at Windsor as children, but now lead different, but interconnected lives.

• I thought this was an interesting and unique way to tell the story of Queen Elizabeth’s younger years and Great Britain during that time period.

• I love dogs and this made me think about whether a corgi would be right for me in the future. Daisy Beagle says no. I enjoyed that Susan the corgi had her own viewpoint. It was also interesting thinking through what life would be like for a royal dog.

• I was very stressed out with work and getting ready for my oldest son’s graduation party when I was reading this book. I found this book to be stress-relieving and a pleasant diversion. It is a great cozy read.

• I enjoyed the romance between Philip and Elizabeth.

• I always enjoy a good author’s note. In this novel, it discusses the writing process in creating this work of historical fiction as well the real person that Hanna was based upon.

• It’s interesting to think that Susan was the matriarch of such a long line of royal corgis – 14 generations.

• Favorite Quote, “Dogs truly are our soulmates, our protectors in things that might harm us from the outside as much as things that harmed us from within.”

Overall, The Queen’s Faithful Companion by Elizia Knight is a wonderful cozy historical fiction read perfect for dog lovers.

This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2024...
471 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2024
The Queen's Faithful Companion by Eliza Knight was a surprise blind pick at the library. As a dog lover, I could not resist the book cover. I did not even check Goodreads rating as I was determined to read this book. The story opens after King Edward VIII abdicates, leaving the throne open for King George VI. His children, Princesses Elizabeth "Lilibet" and Margot, the former as heir to the throne. On Lilibet's 18th birthday, the King gifts her a Pembroke corgi renamed from Pippa to Susan who heads 14 generations during her long life. Points of view flip between characters: Lilibet, Susan, and her trainer/handler Hanna. Unfortunately, it goes through the period of King George's death and Elizabeth's coronation, and more
I am pleasantly surprised to find that other reader have enjoyed this book as much as I did (4.31 average rating as of today). Who could resist a dog book especially one who can tease us of the inside stories of the Queen's private life? Easy and fast read. Recommended.
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