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The Queen's Corgi: On Purpose
‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful if newspapers did more to share stories and insights that were really meaningful? Things that might help people lead more purposeful lives.’ The Queen glanced over at him, uncertainly. ‘Tricky business, persuading the media to lift their sights from terror and trivia. Every one of us has tried.’ Pushing myself up so that I was balancing on my rear end, I fixed Kate with a pleading expression. She was a soft touch when it came to scones. There was a pause while the family glanced in my direction. Before Kate said, ‘Well, not every family member.’
Rescued from unscrupulous breeders who plan to destroy him because of his floppy ear, when the Queen’s littlest corgi arrives at Windsor Castle, he finds himself in a world of red carpets, gilded chambers – and not a pile of dirty laundry to be seen.
Charming his way into the affections of the royal household, Nelson offers a dog’s-eye view of life with the Queen. He eavesdrops on her encounters with celebrities, philanthropists and advisers, catching rare insights into the secrets of a purposeful life. Through one of Her Majesty’s most mysterious advisers, he discovers how the ancient ways and powerful symbols continue to exert a transformative presence. He also becomes familiar with the Queen’s most surprising her gentle but firm expectation that everyone she encounters is striving to be the best that they can be.
The Queen’s Corgi bursts with zest, humour and adventure. Romping through the litany of Nelson’s misdemeanours are a warm-heartedness and deep wisdom sure to delight anyone who has known the smiling face and warm tongue of a dog. It is not by chance that you hold this book in your hands.
Rescued from unscrupulous breeders who plan to destroy him because of his floppy ear, when the Queen’s littlest corgi arrives at Windsor Castle, he finds himself in a world of red carpets, gilded chambers – and not a pile of dirty laundry to be seen.
Charming his way into the affections of the royal household, Nelson offers a dog’s-eye view of life with the Queen. He eavesdrops on her encounters with celebrities, philanthropists and advisers, catching rare insights into the secrets of a purposeful life. Through one of Her Majesty’s most mysterious advisers, he discovers how the ancient ways and powerful symbols continue to exert a transformative presence. He also becomes familiar with the Queen’s most surprising her gentle but firm expectation that everyone she encounters is striving to be the best that they can be.
The Queen’s Corgi bursts with zest, humour and adventure. Romping through the litany of Nelson’s misdemeanours are a warm-heartedness and deep wisdom sure to delight anyone who has known the smiling face and warm tongue of a dog. It is not by chance that you hold this book in your hands.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2016
205 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
David Michie
95 books672 followersDavid Michie is the internationally best-selling author of The Magician of Lhasa series, The Dalai Lama's Cat series, and several non-fiction titles on meditation and Buddhism. His books are published in over 30 languages and 50 countries.
In 2015 he established Mindful Safaris to Africa.
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In 2015 he established Mindful Safaris to Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
April 3, 2025
A Happy ESCAPE of a book!
Nelson is the runt of his Corgi litter. But Noblesse oblige, and the hand-picked Royal pet-picker knows our Reine Soleil smiles radiantly down on lowlier common types such as Nelson - and after all, ourselves, who continue to trudge dutifully through our daily drudgery, like Nelson.
For Nelson is the luckless loser in his owner’s sleazy puppy mill enterprise in less than desirable circumstances. But “noblesse oblige” applies now, as well, here in the puppy mill for the ever-so-ironically-polite puppy-picker, so gracious emoluments are duly doled out in due course to spring little Nelson from this lower circle of hell…
Into the luxe et calme of glittering Buckingham Palace, where he overnight becomes the Queen’s Fave Corgi. And then, as the canticle of the Annunciation says, his humility is rewarded with plenty. And I mean Pull-Entie!
My Mom had a similar penchant for turning little paupers of the spirit into Princes. She did it with her favourite Library Pages - bookish introverts like me - and treated them like Princes.
And, of course, there were cats like Inverse.
Inverse - appropriately, as per his name - did everything contrary to direction. He was a partially feral cat. His colour was black, but inside his soul seemed white as snow after being lavished with love by my Mom.
She was an Earth Mother, my Mom, who didn’t much mind if Inverse did as he pleased, anyway. Which meant for Inverse that he slept outside more than in. But that was the summer when we adopted him.
But the coming Christmas Eve of 1955 was just way too cold. And Inverse was nowhere in sight. In the morning my Dad found him flattened outside, by, as it turned out, a Bread Truck. I don’t think Mom even cooked a turkey that Christmas.
If you could magically now ask her how she healed herself through that, and countless other family disasters, she’d probably quote that famous lyric from The Fantasticks - then running on Broadway:
“Without a hurt, the heart is hollow.”
And we, who often see the Queen as a mere figurehead, a relic of a past golden age, should now remember that she, during her long reign (like my Mom) saw MANY ‘anni horribili’ (horrible years) but kept smiling anyway -
And honestly LOVING the Lowly -
Which, here of course, means runts of the litter like Nelson!
Nelson is the runt of his Corgi litter. But Noblesse oblige, and the hand-picked Royal pet-picker knows our Reine Soleil smiles radiantly down on lowlier common types such as Nelson - and after all, ourselves, who continue to trudge dutifully through our daily drudgery, like Nelson.
For Nelson is the luckless loser in his owner’s sleazy puppy mill enterprise in less than desirable circumstances. But “noblesse oblige” applies now, as well, here in the puppy mill for the ever-so-ironically-polite puppy-picker, so gracious emoluments are duly doled out in due course to spring little Nelson from this lower circle of hell…
Into the luxe et calme of glittering Buckingham Palace, where he overnight becomes the Queen’s Fave Corgi. And then, as the canticle of the Annunciation says, his humility is rewarded with plenty. And I mean Pull-Entie!
My Mom had a similar penchant for turning little paupers of the spirit into Princes. She did it with her favourite Library Pages - bookish introverts like me - and treated them like Princes.
And, of course, there were cats like Inverse.
Inverse - appropriately, as per his name - did everything contrary to direction. He was a partially feral cat. His colour was black, but inside his soul seemed white as snow after being lavished with love by my Mom.
She was an Earth Mother, my Mom, who didn’t much mind if Inverse did as he pleased, anyway. Which meant for Inverse that he slept outside more than in. But that was the summer when we adopted him.
But the coming Christmas Eve of 1955 was just way too cold. And Inverse was nowhere in sight. In the morning my Dad found him flattened outside, by, as it turned out, a Bread Truck. I don’t think Mom even cooked a turkey that Christmas.
If you could magically now ask her how she healed herself through that, and countless other family disasters, she’d probably quote that famous lyric from The Fantasticks - then running on Broadway:
“Without a hurt, the heart is hollow.”
And we, who often see the Queen as a mere figurehead, a relic of a past golden age, should now remember that she, during her long reign (like my Mom) saw MANY ‘anni horribili’ (horrible years) but kept smiling anyway -
And honestly LOVING the Lowly -
Which, here of course, means runts of the litter like Nelson!
December 15, 2021
This book was the perfect mix of doggy tips, profound thoughts, and royal life anecdotes. The newest of the Queen's Corgis (Nelson) is our narrator. He is rescued from a home that sounds close to puppy mill conditions. His one droopy ear made him undesirable to his breeders, but really gave him character. His mentors in all things royal are the other two Corgis named Winston and Margaret. Along with the Queen, there are mentions of Prince Philip (may he rest in peace), Charles, Camilla, William, Kate (and kids), and Harry. Along the way Nelson learns from those around him about having a purpose, appreciating the small things, enjoying Nature, and seeing things that are hidden in plain sight, and more delightful bits of wisdom. If you have enjoyed the books by W. Bruce Cameron and enjoy some royal watching, this book is perfect. I highly recommend it and might also read about the Dalai Lama's cat soon -- a book by the same author.
March 14, 2017
Dogs are the best kind of people. And if royalty could be measured in terms of wisdom and wit, Nelson decidedly deserved to be 'the' royal dog. I often wish I could be a gecko on the walls of some of the greats of the world how they would think, react and respond to certain situations, and Nelson gave me a wonderful opportunity to actually peek in the homes of one of the most admired/detested women in current history: The Queen of the United Kingdom.
The book is full of humor, humanity and a brief exaltation of all people and things royal. It is such a beautiful, spiritual look at life and all things important through a little corgi, who was rescued from a certain death by the Queen herself. He is named Nelson and his antics and his baby (or shall we say puppy) steps as a royal dog is the backdrop of the book, but in reality the book is a profound source of spirituality and learning. Absolutely adored every word of the book. Well done David Mitchie! This book will be as much a favorite as 'The Dalai Lama's Cat'.
The book is full of humor, humanity and a brief exaltation of all people and things royal. It is such a beautiful, spiritual look at life and all things important through a little corgi, who was rescued from a certain death by the Queen herself. He is named Nelson and his antics and his baby (or shall we say puppy) steps as a royal dog is the backdrop of the book, but in reality the book is a profound source of spirituality and learning. Absolutely adored every word of the book. Well done David Mitchie! This book will be as much a favorite as 'The Dalai Lama's Cat'.
October 7, 2016
Another sweet, funny, and thought-provoking novel from David Michie focusing on having a purpose driven life. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the Dalai Lama's Cat series.
April 12, 2025
This book is a really cute, feel~good, uplifting and humorous tale as told by the Queen’s Corgi, Nelson. It is full of life lessons that we can all apply. It makes you feel good, and think a bit too 😉
December 9, 2019
Totálně subjektivní hodnocení. Miluju corgi, miluju Davida Michieho. Neskutečně inspirativní a roztomilá kniha s hlubším podtextem. Měla jsem z jejího čtení stejné pocity jako z Dalajlámovy kočky. Must read pro milovníky psů a pro ty, kteří mají otevřenou mysl a nevadí jim duchovní názory.
4.5/5*
4.5/5*
April 10, 2020
A hilarious little audiobook. Seems to be a little bit of Royalist propaganda with a good dose of Christian dogma but what else would you expect from a Queen's Corgi. Was light enough to not bother the agnostic republican (not as in the American sense) Aussie in me. I actually enjoyed it quite a bit. Might even spend a bit of time listening to The Dalai lama's cat sometime soon.
January 22, 2023
2023 bk 22. What a charming story - David Michie has written a comfortable book and one that speaks to purpose. I enjoyed the look at a corgi's life in the royal homes and the story of Nelson, Margaret, and Winston as they provide comfort and joy to the Queen.
August 24, 2018
Nelsonov štart do života nie je úplne romantický a už vôbec nie optimistický.... predsa len narodiť sa ako corgi, ktorý by mal byť výstavným kusom a namiesto toho je len najmenším z vrhu a ešte aj s ohnutým uchom...
Ale šťastena rozhodne inak a tak sa riadením osudu Nelson ocitá v rodine a nie nejakej, ale rovno kráľovskej. Ak ste čítali Dalajlamova kočka tak viete, že náhody neexistujú. Rovnako je to i v tejto knihe, nič vlastne nie je náhodné. A v tom je i čaro knihy, dôležité a podstatné veci vysvetlené jednoduchou a priamou cestou.
Keďže som počúvala audioknihu, rada by som spomenúť jej rozprávača. Výborne vybraný a nahoroverený príbeh vďaka Bořkovi Kapitančikovi, ktorý prepožičal Nelsonovi hlas i dušu. Bola to radosť počúvať.
Ale šťastena rozhodne inak a tak sa riadením osudu Nelson ocitá v rodine a nie nejakej, ale rovno kráľovskej. Ak ste čítali Dalajlamova kočka tak viete, že náhody neexistujú. Rovnako je to i v tejto knihe, nič vlastne nie je náhodné. A v tom je i čaro knihy, dôležité a podstatné veci vysvetlené jednoduchou a priamou cestou.
Keďže som počúvala audioknihu, rada by som spomenúť jej rozprávača. Výborne vybraný a nahoroverený príbeh vďaka Bořkovi Kapitančikovi, ktorý prepožičal Nelsonovi hlas i dušu. Bola to radosť počúvať.
June 20, 2017
I loved the "Dalai Llama's Cat' series and thought that this would be worth a look. The story is not complex. I liked the underlying story however grappled with the overlay of 'Royal family', it somehow did not resonate or feel plausible. I take into consideration that they are my filters so hence why I continued to see the book through. There are some delightful tears amongst the pages and it quite a suitable read for even younger children.
April 6, 2019
A self guide book not very well disguised as a cheeky novel about one of the Queen's corgis. To be fair, if I want a self help book I'll buy one, I don't really want it foisted upon me. Sorry, I didn't bother finishing it.
September 16, 2016
Really loved this! Fans of David's previous books (Dalai Lama's Cat) know the concept. Especially loved the nods at 'The Uncommon Reader' and 'The Alchemist' A very clever and insightful read.
April 15, 2017
More like 2 1/2 stars really... It's more of a self-help book disguised as a novel, which isn't really my "thing". But, it's a sweet story with some bits of sage advice peppered amongst the paragraphs telling of Nelson's experiences as a royal canine.
My favourite, "Knowledge on its own gets us only so far. To be of real benefit, knowledge needs to change our behaviour." So very true in the world of today.
My favourite, "Knowledge on its own gets us only so far. To be of real benefit, knowledge needs to change our behaviour." So very true in the world of today.
December 9, 2019
When I read the first chapter of this book I wasn't convinced I would enjoy it due to the fictional dialogue between members of the royal family. However most of the book is written in the voice of one of the corgis and it is very cleverly done. It was a pleasure to read.
If you are looking for a factual work about the royal family and their corgis this is not for you! However if you are looking for words of wisdom, beautifully packaged in a lovely story this is well worth a read.
If you are looking for a factual work about the royal family and their corgis this is not for you! However if you are looking for words of wisdom, beautifully packaged in a lovely story this is well worth a read.
January 21, 2020
Dalajlámova kočka přes kopírák.
Ze začátku mě to bavilo, potom mi to ale začalo nápadně připomínat Dalajl.kočku a zjistila jsem, že skutečně jde o stejného autora.
To, co u Dalajlámy je celkem přirozené, mi ale pro královnu připadá poněkud násilně naroubované.
Druhá kopie téhož už moc nefunguje.
Ze začátku mě to bavilo, potom mi to ale začalo nápadně připomínat Dalajl.kočku a zjistila jsem, že skutečně jde o stejného autora.
To, co u Dalajlámy je celkem přirozené, mi ale pro královnu připadá poněkud násilně naroubované.
Druhá kopie téhož už moc nefunguje.
April 4, 2022
It was a harmless book, not particularly good but equally not bad. I wouldn’t read more by this author though.
April 7, 2017
3.5 it's a cute story :)
July 7, 2025
It was very intriguing and funny at the same time! The story was just too piquant to put this down. The author did a marvelous job at making an original story.
November 14, 2018
Fab
I loved this book so much had me laughing my head off then in tears the next . Made me look at things from a different side
I loved this book so much had me laughing my head off then in tears the next . Made me look at things from a different side
October 17, 2016
Another entertaining story by this author, I loved his Dalai Lama's Cat series, and this book is in the same vein, where we hear the story through the animals point of view. This one happens to be a young corgi, Nelson, adopted by Queen Elizabeth who has two other corgis as well.. I love how the author always gives us stories and insights that are very meaningful, and really makes one think about our lives and how we can better our quality of life, and of those around us.
The dogs are hilarious and it is fun to see their different personalities and views on different things.
I have a feeling we will see more of Nelson
The dogs are hilarious and it is fun to see their different personalities and views on different things.
I have a feeling we will see more of Nelson
September 10, 2017
Not my usual fare, and definitely not crime fiction.
This is very similar in format to the Michie's other book that I have read THE DALAI LAMA'S CAT, a fictional vehicle for David Michie's Buddhist philosophy.
It makes for interesting reading and puts Queen Elizabeth II and the rest of the Royal family in interesting light. The Queen is portrayed as a deep and empathetic thinker, as are the younger members of the family.
The novel is a series of events involving Nelson, the young Corgi, which test human tolerance and illustrate Buddhist concepts
This is very similar in format to the Michie's other book that I have read THE DALAI LAMA'S CAT, a fictional vehicle for David Michie's Buddhist philosophy.
It makes for interesting reading and puts Queen Elizabeth II and the rest of the Royal family in interesting light. The Queen is portrayed as a deep and empathetic thinker, as are the younger members of the family.
The novel is a series of events involving Nelson, the young Corgi, which test human tolerance and illustrate Buddhist concepts
February 25, 2017
I so enjoyed this little story. As with Michie's trilogy on the Dalai Lama's Cat, he infuses a sense of serene, well being that remained with me after I finished the book. He has also captured and illustrated well the differences between dogs and cats...sometimes quite humorously. These books also strengthen the possibility that one can develop an inner peace while being confronted with the realities, hardships, struggles and sufferings of life.
September 1, 2017
Our narrator is Nelson, a rescue pup who finds himself living with the Queen and two Senior corgis. He comments on the royal family and its many visitors, and has a very spiritual revelation at the end which left me reaching for a hanky. A very sweet book with some interesting philosophical musings by the author of "The Dalai Lama's Cat", which I now ant to read.
July 14, 2019
Having read and enjoyed the stories from the Dalai Lama’s cat, I just had to read one from the Queen’s corgi. Just like the other novels by David Michie this one put a smile on my face and made me feel glad that I read it.
October 30, 2017
In the same vein as Dalai Lama's Cat, David Michie teaches us spiritual life lessons through the actions of a delightful animal. In this case, there is also a sage elder corgi who imparts words of wisdom in subtle ways to his young friend, Nelson.
March 27, 2018
A very sweet and funny book about the life of one of The Queen's corgis. This book is really a treatise on living a life of intention. I'll read more by this author of only because I love his characterization of the pup.
May 24, 2018
As with his other fiction, I love the nice simple messages that are passed on as things to think on as you read these books. Although I am partial to the Buddhist principles, I enjoyed the messages found within these pages.
August 29, 2018
Another delightful offering from the author of “The Dalai Lama’s Cat” combines gentle humour with spirituality and poignancy all seen through the eyes of a pup with a keen sense of wanting to explore life and learn from his explorations.
September 16, 2018
I preferred his Dalai Lama's Cat series but this was an enjoyable book. We follow Nelson the corgi rescued by the queen through his adventures as he learns important life lessons from the other corgis and the people around him.
December 20, 2016
Charming story. First, I love dogs. So any story told by a dog is likely one I will get enjoyment out of. And how can you not find Corgis adorable?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews