Meghan Markle is grieving the loss of her cherished rescue beagle, Guy. The Duchess of Sussex shared this personal news on her Instagram, expressing her deep sorrow. She mentioned shedding countless tears and the pain of trying to hide them under the shower. Guy had been a loyal presence in many significant moments of Meghan’s life, from her Suits days to Prince Harry’s proposal in the garden and their royal wedding.
Guy’s heartwarming rescue story began at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Kentucky and eventually led him to Meghan through A Dog’s Dream Rescue in Canada. The connection was instant when Meghan met Guy at an adoption event, and she quickly adopted him. Guy became a beloved companion to Meghan and was often seen on her social media accounts.
Despite facing a setback when he broke two legs, Guy received exceptional care from veterinary surgeon Noel Fitzpatrick and made a full recovery. He accompanied Meghan to the U.K. when she moved there to start her life with Prince Harry. Guy’s presence in Meghan’s life was cherished, and his story highlighted the importance of adoption over buying pets.
For a long time, I have had two rescue pups. One of them is now with close friends, and the other little guy is in the U.K., where he has been for a while. The dog, named Bogart, was brought home by Meghan after a nudge from Ellen DeGeneres. Ellen encouraged Meghan to adopt Bogart, a German Shepherd-Lab mix, when they met at a dog shelter. Meghan was holding Bogart, unsure about adopting him, but Ellen insisted, saying, “Rescue the dog!” Meghan decided to take him home and named him Bogart. Before her royal wedding to Prince Harry, Meghan’s other dog, Guy, had a book released about his story called “His Royal Dogness, Guy the Beagle.” Guy even sat at Meghan’s feet during her wedding day preparations. Meghan’s love for dogs was a charm not only for Prince Harry but also for Queen Elizabeth and her corgis. Prince Harry mentioned that the corgis took to Meghan right away. Dogs have been a significant topic of bonding for Meghan and Harry with King Charles and Queen Camilla since they first met. In addition to Guy and Bogart, Harry and Meghan later adopted a black Labrador named Pula and a senior rescue beagle named Mamma Mia. All their fur babies were featured in their holiday cards, showcasing their love and commitment to animal welfare.
Beagle Freedom Project, told PEOPLE. “We were so honored that they have been supporting Beagle Freedom Project and chose to adopt a dog who has been abused.”Keith added that Harry and Meghan could have taken one of the many puppies available, but they opted to adopt a senior dog.
Beagle Freedom Project/Mega Momma Mia, a beagle rescued by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
“They made a point to adopt a rescue named Mia, who most would overlook because she is older, has health issues, and is traumatized by her past,” Keith said. “I was so impressed by their commitment to animal welfare! They have been following up letting us know how well Momma Mia is doing in her new, amazing home!”
During her time as a working royal, one of Meghan’s patronages was animal shelter and charity Mayhew, and she candidly wrote about being a rescue dog owner in the organization’s 2019 annual report.
“As a proud rescue dog owner, I know from personal experience the joy that adopting an animal into your home can bring,” she wrote.
“The role that we, as people, play in rehoming and rescuing these animals is vital, but the role of organizations such as Mayhew is unparalleled. What initially struck me about Mayhew specifically is their community-based approach not simply on rehoming animals, but in the preventive care that inhibits these cats and dogs from ending up in shelters in the first place,” she continued.
“The choice to adopt a pet is a big decision that comes with much responsibility but infinite return on investment,” Meghan continued. “It will undoubtedly change your life.”
Diego Cuevas/Getty Images Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, during a forum about digital responsibility at EAN University during a visit around Colombia on Aug. 15, 2024, in Bogota, Colombia.
During a visit to Mayhew in January 2019, Meghan — who was “very natural with the dogs, as one needs to be,” CEO Caroline Yates said — told an anecdote about Guy, who was previously mistreated and left to roam wild.
“He was petrified to come in the front door. He didn’t know how to go up and down stairs,” Meghan said. “All the things you’re patient with and then you end up with the best dog in the world.”
During a difficult year where Harry and Meghan stepped back as working royals, relocated to the U.S., and suffered a pregnancy loss, Yates said Meghan’s dogs had been a source of “support” for the Duchess of Sussex.
“Whenever we talk to the Duchess about the charity, she always references how important her dogs are and what a support they are, particularly during everything that’s happened this year, with COVID, and with the personal trials and tribulations she went through this year,” Yates said about Meghan’s 2020.
“It was really nice to share our experiences with her about how important animals are when
