Why the dog show Crufts has enjoyed royal patronage and visits as it begins for 2023

The world famous dog show, Crufts, begins on Thursday 9 March in Birmingham at the NEC. It spans four days and welcomes the world's most competitive dog breeders and dog handlers exhibiting their prized hounds.

Royalty is not immune to the charm of a waggy tail and sleek coat. In fact, the late Queen Elizabeth II was a patron of The Kennel Club from 1952 until her death in September 2022.

Britain's last female monarch was known to have a great love of animals, and dogs in particular. She kept more than 30 corgis in her lifetime and was often photographed with them in her homes and on walks.

The late Queen Elizabeth even visited Crufts in 1969. It was her one and only visit to the show, despite being The Kennel Club patron. This may have been due to conflicting schedules for the time of year the event was held, or it could have been to avoid accusations of favouritism around certain breeds. The late Queen clearly had a weakness for corgis, corgi-crosses and spaniels, judging by the ones she kept at home.

It may seem a dated formula to those who have never tuned in before. It also had controversy in 2008 when the BBC - who had televised the show for 50 years - did a documentary criticising breeding practices, which were seen to compromise the health of the dogs. Several sponsors removed themselves as funders and The Kennel Club agreed to review its breeding standards and judging.

The reason it survives, despite these controversies, is the incredible ability and intellect of the dogs themselves.

Selective breeding of wolves for thousands of years has given us the domestic dog. It's an extraordinary example of how a species can evolve, particularly in a symbiotic relationship with another species like a human.

Aside from the late Queen's visit, Crufts has enjoyed a visit from Prince Michael of Kent and his wife Princess Michael of Kent in 2016. The pair were photographed greeting the dogs, owners and handlers. The couple have owned dogs over the years, including a black Labrador named Shadow.

The royal pair also visited Crufts on other occasions, including an earlier visit in 1989, this may also explain why the late Queen Elizabeth II only did one visit in 1969, as she was being represented by the Prince and Princess of Kent in future years.

Princess Anne, the second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, visited Crufts in 1971. She was photographed looking very happy as she stroked and gazed at some of the competing dogs. The Princess Royal has kept bull terriers over the years as her pets.

The Kennel Club in the UK is the oldest recognised kennel club in the world and oversees dog shows, dog agility and working trials. They bought Crufts as their flagship event in 1939 when the founder, Charles Cruft, died.