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Royal Family with Animals
Prince Harry with horse Guardsman at Tooloombilla in central outback of Queensland, where he spent gap year in 2003 working on farm Reuters

Over the years, the royal family seems to have embraced dogs as their favourite pets. Formal portraits from the 17th century onwards show kings, queens and their children happily posing with their beloved animals, from pugs to greyhounds, King Charles spaniels and corgis.

But what we have not seen a lot of is the family's love for other animals. This collection of photos shows the royals' affection for all kind of creatures, including pigs and birds.

The royal family is also renowned for their patronage and support of a number of animal charities, from the RSPCA to the Red Poll Cattle Society and the Labrador Retriever Club.