Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, has shared a series of heartwarming images with Queen Elizabeth II's corgis.

Posting on Instagram to mark her 63rd birthday, the photographs show the Duchess lying outside in the autumn sunshine as she plays with the two royal pups, Muick and Sandy. Looking happy and relaxed, Sarah describes them as "the presents that keep giving".

One person commented saying: "Happy Birthday, Duchess. So glad can see the Queen's corgis with you," while another added: "I'm so glad they are with you."

Shortly after Her Majesty's death, it was announced that the Duke and Duchess of York would take on Muick, Candy and Sandy — three pups that were given to Her Majesty as gifts.

Sandy was a replacement for corgi Fergus, who died just five-months-old shortly after Prince Philip's death, meanwhile dorgi Candy (a corgi and dachshund mix) was a gift from Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie for her official 95th birthday. Muick was given to the Queen by Prince Andrew when Prince Philip first went into hospital.

The Duchess recently told The Telegraph it was a "big honour" to look after the Queen's corgis and they have been "taught well". She said: "They all balance out, the carpet moves as I move but I’ve got used to it now."

Corgis have long been adored by the royal family, with the Queen owning around 30 during her reign. The Queen first fell in love with the breed in 1933 when her father, King George VI, gifted a corgi to Elizabeth and Margaret. While Her Majesty decided to stop breeding Corgis in 2015 so that none would be left behind when she died, Prince Andrew, her son, gave her two as gifts after Prince Philip passed away.

24 indestructible dog toys for aggressive chewers
Headshot of Lisa Joyner
Lisa Joyner
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

 Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.