royal collection

He is a bearded young king in a most correct sporting cap; you are a pug in a babushka kerchief.
You are a white cat that, having been gifted to a young prince, has been named "Snowdrop" and is vaguely disgusted.
You are a darling tiny fluffy dog that your exalted owners have named, of all things, "Tiney."

Yes, you can see all that and more at the online exhibition "Noble Hounds and Dear Companions" courtesy of royalcollection.org.uk. Two images are my particular favorites, and I hope you will find them:

- the 1905 image from Queen Alexandra's collection, "Lieut. Watson and my cat," in which an obliging young seaman sticks the royal kitten upon his noggin, and a shipmate's hand comes in from the left to point this out, in case we might miss it. Funny, and nice to think everyone was having light hearted fun.

- the 1866 photo, "Queen Victoria and Sharp," which finds the lonely Queen (widowed in 1861) tucking her hand around a soulful dog which leans into her with eyes set towards eternity. An image that speaks volumes of love, sadness, and trust. You'll see.