On 11 September, the Royal Corgi Walk will take place in central Riga for the fourth consecutive year. Dressed-up corgis and their owners from across Latvia and neighbouring countries will gather in an attempt to beat last year’s record of 198 corgis. After walking through central Riga, participants will be welcomed to the Royal British Tea Picnic in Kronvalda Park, where the owner of the best-dressed corgi will be announced. Visitors will also be able to take part in various activities and competitions, learn more about corgis and responsible pet ownership, receive advice from dog trainers, enjoy musical performances, and sip special English tea from their own “grandmother’s” porcelain teacups.
Around 50 corgis took part in the first walk, while last year the event brought together 198 corgis and approximately 600 people. This year, the Latvian Corgi Friends Association invites an even larger crowd to gather and try to set a new record that Riga can be proud of!
“Four years ago, we were only dreaming of a beautiful corgi walk in memory of Queen Elizabeth II, but today it has already become our shared and much-anticipated tradition, bringing so many cheerful, smartly dressed fluffy corgis together in the heart of Riga. This year, we very much want to beat the record of 198 corgis, so we invite everyone to join us and help make it happen – and make Riga the place where so many corgis gather together. I am convinced that during these few hours, the levels of endorphins and smiles in Riga will rise all the way to 100%!” says Gerda Pulkstene, creator of the Royal Corgi Walk, Chair of the Board of the Latvian Corgi Friends Association and owner of corgi Floki.
On 11 September at 17:45, corgis and their owners will gather in Bastejkalns Park, on the left-hand side of the Freedom Monument. At 18:00, the ceremonial corgi count and group photo will take place, after which Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis will set off on an organised walk along the route: Bastejkalns Park – Freedom Monument – Esplanāde – Kronvalda Park. The walk will conclude at 19:00 with the Royal British Tea Picnic.
The patron of the event is the British Ambassador to Latvia, Cathy Leach, who will traditionally open the Royal Corgi Walk picnic.
“Seeing almost 200 corgis and their owners happily gathered for this event was truly impressive. I am delighted that this wonderful tradition continues to grow and that the love for the breed so cherished by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is so visibly present in Latvia,” says British Ambassador to Latvia Cathy Leach.
The Royal Corgi Walk is dedicated to the memory of Queen Elizabeth II and her love of corgis, while also promoting responsible pet ownership and canine welfare.
Well-socialised Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are invited to take part in the walk. Dogs must be kept on a short lead that can be safely controlled by their owner. Each owner is responsible for their dog’s behaviour and safety, as well as for keeping the environment clean during the event.
Organisers encourage owners to dress up their corgis for the walk in advance – this year, the search will be on for the most royal, elegant, and eye-catching outfit! The best-dressed corgis will receive valuable prizes from pet stores and beauty salons. Dog trainers will also be on site to offer practical advice and recommendations to corgi owners. During the event, visitors will be invited to make charitable donations to help dogs currently living in shelters.
The British picnic has become one of the event’s special traditions. Owners are invited to bring a blanket, a picnic basket, their own treats in a traditional biscuit tin, and the now-symbolic “grandmother’s” teacup, which they can fill with special English tea with milk at the event.
Other well-behaved and well-socialised dogs and their owners are also welcome to join the picnic after the walk. Everyone without a corgi of their own is equally welcome – central Riga will offer a true, free-of-charge cuddle paradise and the chance to meet hundreds of fluffy four-legged friends.
Join the Royal Corgi Walk – the day when central Riga will bloom with smiles thanks to its little fluffy royals!
The event is free of charge.
The event is organised by the Latvian Corgi Friends Association, which builds and strengthens Latvia’s corgi community, promotes responsible pet ownership and canine welfare, and organises educational and community-building events.