The Elgin Marbles controversy centers on a collection of ancient Greek sculptures originally part of the Parthenon in Athens.

The marbles were removed by Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, in the early 19th century, during a period when Greece was under Ottoman rule.

Elgin claimed to have obtained permission from the Ottoman authorities to remove the sculptures.

However, there has been substantial debate about the legality of this removal, with Greek authorities and advocates arguing that the documentation was ambiguous, possibly manipulated, or not properly authorizing the scale of removal Elgin undertook.

The core of the controversy is the question of whether this act constituted authorized preservation or outright cultural theft, especially as Greece was not a sovereign nation at the time and could not consent to such removals itself .

The British Museum purchased the marbles from Lord Elgin in 1816 and has displayed them ever since.

The UK government maintains that the acquisition was legal and that, under British law, the sculptures are the legitimate property of the museum’s trustees.

Greek authorities assert that the marbles were taken under foreign occupation and that their removal was a stark loss to Greece’s national heritage and cultural identity.

Since its independence in 1832, Greece has consistently requested the marbles' return, framing it as a matter of cultural justice and national dignity .

The debate is further complicated by legal restrictions.

The British Museum Act of 1963 is a principal piece of legislation that shapes the fate of the marbles.

It forbids the museum from disposing of its holdings except in specific, narrowly defined cases, which do not currently include the possibility of permanent restitution to Greece.

This statutory obstacle is a core reason cited by the UK government for its inability and unwillingness to return the marbles despite growing calls for their repatriation .

Arguments from both sides reflect divergent philosophies on cultural patrimony and stewardship.

The British Museum and its supporters argue that the marbles are held in trust for "all mankind" and that their display in London serves an educational and cultural purpose, accessible to a global audience.

They stress the supposed legality of Elgin's transaction and the museum's role in preserving the marbles, which might have been further damaged or destroyed had they remained in situ during the turbulent conditions of 19th-century Athens.

Furthermore, the British side notes that UK law does not allow the marbles’ return and that the collection should not be broken up.

Greece counters that the marbles constitute a unique cultural ensemble, inseparable from their original context on the Parthenon.

Repatriation is presented as an act of restorative justice, correcting the historic wrong of removal under colonial-like circumstances.

The Greek government underscores its commitment to global access by offering to loan other treasures as replacements and stresses the world-class facilities of the Acropolis Museum, which was explicitly built to house the marbles if returned.

Greece also sees the marbles’ return as aligned with universal principles of heritage and identity, as well as international precedents around restitution .

In recent years, diplomacy and public opinion have placed the matter firmly in the public eye.

Greek leaders, particularly Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, have made high-profile offers, including cultural exchanges or even loans to the British Museum if the Elgin Marbles can return to Athens on any basis—permanent or temporary.

While there have been indications of advanced talks between Greek and British officials, these have centered on possible loan arrangements or cultural partnerships.

The idea is for the marbles to be displayed in Athens for a period while the British Museum hosts major Greek works in exchange.

Despite these discussions, permanent transfer of ownership remains politically and legally constrained in the UK, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and previous leaders ruling out changing the statute.

The British Museum itself, while interested in a so-called "Parthenon partnership," does not plan to break up its collection or relinquish ultimate control .

Public opinion in the UK has evolved, with more than half of the British public now reportedly backing the return of the marbles to Greece.

UNESCO has repeatedly supported Greek claims, underscoring that the repatriation of cultural property removed under questionable circumstances is a basic tenet of international heritage law .

Several proposed solutions have emerged from scholars, diplomats, and cultural leaders.

These include digitizing or replicating the marbles for display in London while originals reside in Athens, or implementing long-term renewable loans.

Returns of pieces such as the Benin Bronzes or Asante Gold under renewable loan agreements are seen as potential models, showing that cultural exchange is possible while navigational legal frameworks remain unchanged .

For future archaeologists, this case highlights several practical and ethical lessons: the importance of clear legal frameworks around excavation and export at the time of discovery, the significance of context in interpreting and displaying cultural objects, and the evolving standards of international cultural property law.

It also reinforces the continuing negotiation between cultural stewardship responsibilities and the identities, claims, and dignity of source nations.

The Elgin Marbles controversy remains unresolved in terms of permanent restitution, but new pathways involving loans, reciprocity, and cooperative partnerships suggest compromise is possible if political will can overcome statutory barriers .

In summary, the dispute over the Elgin Marbles is emblematic of broader global debates on the legitimacy of museum collections acquired during periods of imperialism or conflict.

While the British Museum holds the marbles under national law and claims universalist justification, Greece claims them as a vital piece of national heritage improperly removed.

Multiple proposals and diplomatic efforts signal interest in resolution, but statutory, political, and philosophical disagreements persist.

For the field of archaeology, outcomes of this case may set important precedents in balancing discovery, dissemination, and ethical stewardship of cultural heritage.

The Elgin Marbles controversy centers on a collection of ancient Greek sculptures originally part of the Parthenon in Athens.

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Press Eye / Refusal of the Parthenon Stone Sculpture
“Greek artefacts taken by the British 200 years ago set off a diplomatic storm, ” said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who was scheduled to meet Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on November 29, but was temporarily canceled on the evening of the 28th.
In view of the long-standing dispute between the two sides over the ownership of the Parthenon marble statue in the British Museum, Greece originally promised not to use the meeting to openly discuss the issue of the ownership of the marble statue, but Mitsotakis described Parthenon as "like cutting the Mona Lisa in half" during his visit to the United Kingdom. Some of the marble statues of the temple are still in London, which displeased Sunak and angered Greece at the cancellation of the meeting.
This diplomatic storm caused the differences between Britain and Greece on the ownership of the marble statue to float on the table again.
The marble statue of the Parthenon temple at the heart of the English dispute, also known in England as "The Elgin Marbles" (The Elgin Marbles), mainly from the Parthenon temple in the Acropolis of Athens, built in the 5th century BC, has a history of more than 2500 years, including some from the Treasury of atreus on Mount Mycenae. More than 3,000 years.
This collection of more than 30 marble statues depicts scenes of Greek history and mythology, originally decorated in temples, including a 75 meter long relief showing the goddess Athena's birthday parade.
In 1801, the statue was shipped to England.
The marble was shipped to England in 1801 by Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin of Scotland, from the Acropolis of Athens; regarding the ownership of the stone, the Earl of Elgin insisted that he obtained permission from the Ottoman Turkish Empire, which ruled Greece at the time, to bring the stone to England, but the original of the permission letter he said had been lost, and the British Parliament at that time also gave him permission. The British poet Lord Byron accused the Earl of Elgin of robbery, but the council decided not to prosecute the Earl, and in 1816 the British government bought the statues from the Earl of Elgin and put them on display in the British Museum.
Today, the stone has been one of the most famous exhibits of the British Museum, Greece has been asking the United Kingdom to return the Parthenon marble statue since 1983, and UNESCO has also been involved in coordination with the British and Greek sides on the return of the stone statue at the request of Greece, but to no avail; in 2022, the Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni publicly accused the Earl of Elgin in The removal of the statue of Parthenon by illegal means without "real legal permission" was "a blatant continuous theft".
During Mitsotakis ’ visit to Britain, the two sides are scheduled to discuss diplomatic aspects, including the situation in Gaza, the Russian-Ukrainian war, illegal immigration, and so on; former British Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who left in mid-November, said during a visit to the Greek island of Samos that Britain has “a lot to learn from Greece ” in dealing with immigration.
The summit has been cancelled due to return issues.
However, the lunch meeting, scheduled for 29 November, was abruptly canceled on the evening of 28 November, and Mitsotakis said that he had hoped to discuss the issue of the Parthenon marble statues in the talks, and that the Greek view of the statues was well known; he also reminded that Greece and Britain had a traditional friendship, which he had hoped to take advantage of. "People who believe they are right and righteous will never be afraid of dissent," he said in a statement.
After the British government confirmed the cancellation of the talks, Mitsotakis proposed to meet with Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, but this was rejected.
The office at 10 Downing Street said that Greece had originally promised not to use the meeting as a platform to openly discuss the return of the Parthenon marble statue, but the Greek side broke its promise and therefore believed that the two sides would not have much benefit.
The so-called "breach of promise" refers to Mitsotakis in an interview with the BBC about the Parthenon marble statue, because some of the statues are currently in the Parthenon Temple, and the other part is in the British Museum, Mitsotakis said that the United Kingdom should return the stone statue, and use "like the Mona Lisa cut in half" to describe the situation.
However, the Greek government has denied making such a promise.
The British Labour Party and the Government are in opposition.
The cancellation of the meeting caused concern in the British political and media, the Labour Party said that the decision to cancel the meeting was "deplorable", indicating that the Sunak government was "narrow minded"; the position of the Labour Party on the attribution of the Parthenon marble statue is far from being as strong as the Conservative Party, and the position of Labour Party leader Keir Starmer is that the position of the British Museum and Athens agreed that the statue could be temporarily loaned to Greece, but the Conservatives objected, fearing that if the statue was lent to Greece, it would never be returned to the United Kingdom — the British Museum was banned from disposing of its collections in 1963, so the ownership of the statue was no longer a matter for the British Museum alone, and Sunak had previously made clear that he would never support amending the law.
It is worth noting that Mitsotakis has already met with Scheer, and the Guardian quoted Greek sources as saying that Athens' assessment of the matter may also be one of the reasons why 10 Downing Street is dissatisfied with Mitsotakis, and because the Labour Party is far ahead of the Conservative Party in the polls, there is a great chance of winning the 2024 election again. It will become more and more frequent.
Prior to his meeting with Mitsotakis, Scheer expressed his support for a loan agreement to exchange the Parthenon marble statue with Athens for other ancient Greek artifacts that had not been to Britain for display at the British Museum.
However, Scheer did not intend to discuss the matter publicly, fearing that it would cause voters to resent the Labour Party, and stressed that he was opposed to amending the 1963 law that prevented the British Museum from returning the statue.
In fact, the agreement did not solve the biggest dispute between Greece and Britain over the return of the statue, which is "who exactly belongs to the marble statue of the Parthenon"; Greece naturally wanted to return the title to itself, but even if the agreement could be reached, Britain still considered the statue to be "lent" and the title to the British Museum.
Mitsotakis ’ s trip to Britain ended in haste, returning to Greece early, and both countries are still waiting to see how the dispute should end, but for the British government, which wants to establish stable relations with its European allies after Brexit, the result is clearly contrary to the goal, and in Britain, it is more about the policy differences between the Labour Party and the Conservative Party.
A Labour spokesman said: “If the Prime Minister is unable to meet with European allies who have vital economic links with the UK, it is further evidence that he cannot provide the economic leadership our country needs. ”
And the Labour Party, led by Schkeel, is ready. "
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The marbles were removed by Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, in the early 19th century, during a period when Greece was under Ottoman rule.

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Content: Greek premier to meet Starmer and Sunak in renewed push to return Elgin marbles

Kyriakos Mitsotakis due to meet Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer in London next week

Matt Mathers
Saturday 25 November 2023 23:43
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Elgin Marbles: British Museum lends statue

Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to raise the issue of the Parthenon sculptures with the UK next week.

He is reportedly due to hold talks with Labour leader Keir Starmer on Monday and prime minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday and will raise the subject with both.

The Financial Times reported that Mr Starmer was open to a potential loan deal that would see parts of the ancient sculptures returned. Labour declined to comment.

The 2,500-year-old sculptures, also known as the Eglin Marbles, were taken from Athens to Britain by agents of Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Eglin, in the early 19th century and never returned. Greece says they were stolen, sparking a bitter and long-running dispute with the UK.

Housed in their own dedicated room, the sculptures of Olympian gods and goddesses, centaurs and warriors are among the greatest at the British Museum.

A 1963 Act of Parliament stops the British Museum from permanently handing them back.

George Osborne, the museum’s chair and the former Conservative Party MP and chancellor, has backed a loan deal.

“I hope we’ll find a way to partner with Greece so that a portion of the Marbles spend part of their time in Athens . . . and we see more of their treasures in return,” he wrote in The Spectator last week. Mr Osborne conceded that “we may well not succeed” but that it was “surely worth the effort”.

The proposed deal, which Mr Osborne and Mr Mitsotakis have held secret talks over, would allow the sculptures to return to Athens in exchange for Greek treasures being displayed in London.

Many of the artworks in question are in storage in museum vaults and have never before been seen.

Mr Mitsotakis, who has said it is his “passion” to get the sculptures back, is scheduled to meet both party leaders next week. He intends to raise the issue in both meetings, a person close to him told the FT.

Mr Sunak is said to be not opposed to the idea of a loan deal but sceptical that the sculptures would ever be returned if they were loaned to Greece, according to the paper.

No 10 has been contacted for comment.

A UK government spokesperson told the FT: “The UK has cared for the Elgin Marbles for generations.

“Our galleries and museums are funded by taxpayers because they are a huge asset to this country. “

We share their treasures with the world, and the world comes to the UK to see them. The collection of the British Museum is protected by law, and we have no plans to change it.”

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Elgin claimed to have obtained permission from the Ottoman authorities to remove the sculptures.

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Content: LONDON (Reuters) - The historic Greek treasure of Elgin Marbles is nearing its return to its country of origin, 200 years after it was moved and ended up in the British Museum.
The Parthenon marble, seen as a symbol of freedom in Greece, was controversially moved out of the country by a British diplomat in a move that ignited a debate that lasted more than two centuries.
Greece has made repeated requests for the sculptures to be returned after they were controversially removed from one of the world ’ s most historic landmarks.
Prime Minister Rishi Sonak had been scheduled to meet his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday, but Downing Street canceled the arrangement and sent Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Duden instead.
The head of the British Museum, former Conservative Chancellor George Osborne, is pushing for a temporary loan to be returned to Greece, and is believed to have drawn up a deal.
But both Sonak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer say they will not support a change to the British Museum law that currently bars their return.
The museum said it was continuing "constructive discussions" about their possible return.
Gin Marble
The Algin marble is 17 sculptures that are 2,500 years old.
His pieces were part of a frieze that adorned the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
The marbles make up about half of the 160-meter-long frieze of the Parthenon Temple, which is considered one of the greatest cultural monuments in the world.
These sculptures are seen as symbols of freedom in Greece, where they are known as Parthenon marble.
British diplomat Lord Elgin removed the sculptures from the majestic Parthenon temple in the early 19th century.
At that time, he was ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Greece.
Beginning in 1801, Lord Elgin is said to have supervised the removal of the marble and shipped it to the UK in 170 boxes.
He is said to have claimed to have obtained permission from the Ottoman Empire to move the marble, but despite massive documentation from that period, nothing was found to support his actions.
In the United Kingdom, Lord Elgin received support and criticism, and sold it to the United Kingdom government in 1816 before the marble was transferred to the custody of the British Museum.
The beginning and evolution of the dispute
The controversy between Greece and Britain can be traced back to when the marble first arrived in Britain due to criticism of its removal.
In 1832, Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire before it began trying to recover sculptures and other works of art taken from the country.
In the early 1980s, the actress and then Greek Minister of Culture, Melina Mercury, reignited the campaign when she made it her mission to secure the return of marble sculptures.
In 1983, she met with the director of the British Museum, Dr. David Wilson, in London to demand the return of the sculptures.
She continued to press the museum and the British government until her death in 1994.
Despite other requests and high-level media coverage, no agreement was reached in the years that followed.
A new campaign
In 2009, Greece stepped up its marble recovery campaign after opening a new museum at the foot of the Acropolis Hill, hoping one day to house it.
In 2014, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney called on Britain to start talks with Greece over the return of the Elgin marble.
The lawyer, who is the wife of Hollywood star George Clooney, said: "This is an injustice that has been going on for a long time, in a world full of intractable conflicts."
In 2015, Greece ruled out any legal action against the UK over Elgin Marbles.
In May 2022, the so-called Fagan fragment — a piece showing the foot of the ancient Greek goddess Artemis seated — was permanently returned to Athens from a museum in Italy.
It was originally part of the eastern frieze of the temple dating back to the 5th century BC.
The British reaction
In 2022, there were calls to make it easier for UK museums to consider returning cultural objects, but the government rejected them.
Former Conservative culture minister Lord Vaizi also headed a new body aimed at returning Elgin marble to Greece.
The refusal came after then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the Greek prime minister during talks at Downing Street in 2021 that the sculpture issue was "a matter for the curators of the British Museum".
Then, at the beginning of December, George Osborne, the head of the British Museum, reportedly held secret talks with the Greek prime minister about the possibility of returning the marble sculptures.
Negotiations between former Treasury Secretary Osborne and Kiriakos Mitsotakis have been taking place in London since November 2021, according to the Greek daily Ta Nea.
The Greek prime minister has on numerous occasions called for the relocation of the sculptures, and even offered to lend other treasures to the British Museum in return.
A spokesman for Project Parthenon, a campaign advocating the return of marble sculptures, hailed the talks as a “positive sign ” that a“ win-win solution ” to the centuries-old debate could be reached.
Possible deal?
In December last year, Downing Street said there were no plans to change the law that prohibits the museum from disposing of objects in its collection except in very limited circumstances.
A spokesman for the prime minister said: “The Parthenon sculptures are legally owned by trustees and are practically independent of the government. ”
Last month, the British Museum issued a statement saying it would not dismantle its collection “because it tells a unique story of our common humanity, ” but added that it wanted to forge a new“ Parthenon partnership ” with Greece.
The talks in Westminster were used by former culture minister Lord Vaizi to press again for the return of the sculptures.
He said that the frieze in Athens "resembles a film that was cut in half and half of it was moved against the will of its owners to another country."
After cancelling the bilateral meeting between Sonak and Mitsotakis on Tuesday, the Greek leader said he was "disappointed".
Mr Sonak said the UK “has no plans to change our approach ” but“ did not ask him [Mr Mitsotakis] what short-term or new ideas have been put forward ”.
Starmer and Mitsotakis Meet
Opposition Labour leader Sir Kiir Starmer met Mitsotakis on Monday.
A source close to Labour leader Sir Kiir Starmer told the Financial Times he was unlikely to change the law if he won the next election.
"We are committed to the current law, but if a mutually acceptable loan deal can be agreed between the British Museum and the Greek government, we will not stand in the way."
Is the agreement possible?
The head of the National Museum, George Osborne, is understood to have drawn up a deal with Athens, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Current legislation bars the museum from legally granting treasures, but Osborne is said to be seeking to repatriate the antiquities as part of a long-term "cultural exchange."
But this loan deal is not expected to permanently end the long-running dispute.
The article was prepared from the site of (Sky News) British channel:
https: / / news.sky.com / story / elgin-marbles-what-are-they-and-how-did-they-end-up-in-the-british-museum-12779617

However, there has been substantial debate about the legality of this removal, with Greek authorities and advocates arguing that the documentation was ambiguous, possibly manipulated, or not properly authorizing the scale of removal Elgin undertook.

The core of the controversy is the question of whether this act constituted authorized preservation or outright cultural theft, especially as Greece was not a sovereign nation at the time and could not consent to such removals itself .

The British Museum purchased the marbles from Lord Elgin in 1816 and has displayed them ever since.

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Content: Stephen Fry calls returning Elgin Marbles to Greece 'A classy thing at last'

THE ELGIN Marbles' return to Greece would be "a classy act" by the UK, says Stephen Fry.

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UK has 'no obligation' to return Elgin Marbles says Widdecombe

Greece has called for the repatriation of the collection of Elgin Marbles for more than 200 years – ever since they were taken from the Parthenon in 1802 on the order of Lord Elgin, Britain's then-ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. Mr Fry, who said he is "very keen" to see the sculptures be returned to Athens, has been the latest to join the debate over the home of the monumental artwork.

The actor and broadcaster suggested the marbles be replaced with a virtual experience.

He stressed that with modern technology the carvings can be replicated using lasers.

He said: "So the British Museum would have a Parthenon experience and you go in and see this fabulous technology using AR helmets or whatever you want to wear and you see how the originals were perfectly reproduced and out in place and you watch them being packed up and put on the train."

The sculptures, which sit at the London-based institution, have not been available to be publicly viewed for nearly a year due to ongoing maintenance work and the coronavirus pandemic.

The British Museum is to reopen its Greek galleries to the public on Monday, December 13.

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Critics argue the Elgin Marbles, which sit at the British Museum, should be repatriated to Greece (Image: Getty)

Mr Fry, 64, said: "I know a lot of people say 'we've looked after them' and it's certainly true we've looked after them, but it would be such a classy act.

"I promise you one million Athenians would come on to the street to welcome them.

"They mean so much to the Greeks, they are part of the nature of what Athens is."

The British Museum houses 15 metopes, 17 pedimental figures and 75 metres of the original frieze.

50 metres remain in Athens and other parts are in museums across Europe.

Comedian Stephen Fry called returning the artwork would be 'a classy act' from Britain's side (Image: Getty)

The sculptures have been a subject of debate ever since the were taken from Greece in 1802 (Image: Getty)

Mr Fry claimed a move such as returning the Elgin Marbles is what the country needs: "There would be a hand-shake ceremony and suddenly people would for once look at Britain and say that was a classy act.

"It would be a classy thing and Britain hasn't done a classy thing for some time."

Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking to the FT ahead of a foreign policy trip to the UK last month, said: "If I were in the PM's shoes and I were thinking out of the box in terms of global Britannia, and the idea of Britain really playing a role in the post-Brexit world, [it] would be a fantastic coup for public diplomacy if they were to look at this from a different perspective."

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Kyriakos Mitsotakis advocates for 'reunification' of Elgin Marbles

Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged Boris Johnson to return the marbles to Athens (Image: Getty)

Then, during his visit to London, he urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to return the priceless ancient sculptures to Greece, again presenting it as a chance for the UK to strengthen its Global Britain standing.

Mr Johnson has so far not shown signs he intends to return the Elgin Marbles.

Speaking to the Greek paper Ta Nea earlier this year, he claimed: "The UK government has a firm, longstanding position on the sculptures.

"They were legally acquired by Lord Elgin under the appropriate laws of the time and have been legally owned by the British Museum’s trustees since their acquisition."

This aligns with the view outlined on the British Museum’s website, which backs Lord Elgin's efforts to bring the marbles to the UK in the early 19th century: "His actions were thoroughly investigated by a parliamentary select committee in 1816 and found to be entirely legal, prior to the sculptures entering the collection of the British Museum by act of parliament."

The UK government maintains that the acquisition was legal and that, under British law, the sculptures are the legitimate property of the museum’s trustees.

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Greek prime minister tries to broker deal for return of Parthenon marbles

Kyriakos Mitsotakis offers to loan Greek treasures to British Museum if ‘stolen’ sculptures are returned to Acropolis

The Greek prime minister has demanded that the 2,500-year-old Parthenon marbles, which he accuses Britain of stealing, be returned to Greece, and even offered to loan some of his country’s treasures to the British Museum in an attempt to broker a deal.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis told the Daily Telegraph that the sculptures, also known as the Elgin marbles, belong in the Acropolis Museum in Athens.

However, Boris Johnson has previously ruled out returning them on the grounds that they were acquired legally.

Mitsotakis said: “Our position is very clear. The marbles were stolen in the 19th century; they belong in the Acropolis Museum and we need to discuss this issue in earnest.

“I am sure that if there was a willingness on the part of the government to move we could find an arrangement with the British Museum in terms of us sending abroad cultural treasures on loan, which have never left the country.”

The marbles were removed from the Acropolis more than 200 years ago by Lord Elgin in circumstances that have spurred one of the world’s most famous cultural rows and have long been the subject of dispute.

Mitsotakis said he would raise the issue with Johnson when the two meet next week for talks that could shape future relations between the two countries.

“Refusing to discuss the topic seems to me, given the context of everything that has been happening in terms of the return of cultural treasures, to be rather an anachronistic approach,” he added.

“It would be a fantastic statement by what Boris calls Global Britain if they were to move on this and look at it through a completely different lens.”

But Johnson dismissed the appeal for their return to Greece earlier this year, telling the Greek newspaper Ta Nea: “I understand the strong feelings of the Greek people – and indeed prime minister Mitsotakis – on the issue.

“But the UK government has a firm, longstanding position on the sculptures, which is that they were legally acquired by Lord Elgin under the appropriate laws of the time and have been legally owned by the British Museum’s trustees since their acquisition.”

Greece has long called for the reunification of the sculptures, displayed in museums across Europe but mostly in London, and says it is integral to understanding the artworks in the context of the Acropolis.

Greek authorities assert that the marbles were taken under foreign occupation and that their removal was a stark loss to Greece’s national heritage and cultural identity.

Since its independence in 1832, Greece has consistently requested the marbles' return, framing it as a matter of cultural justice and national dignity .

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Home > News > Parthenon marbles are to remain in the British Museum

Parthenon marbles are to remain in the British Museum

The museum might yet arrange for the sculptures to be loaned. But Sunak stated that there are no plans to change the statute, which specifies that the museum can only dispose of pieces in its collection under certain circumstances.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has ruled out amending a regulation that prevents the British Museum from permanently returning the Parthenon marbles to Greece.

Sunak confirmed that they have no intention of altering the existing regulations, which limit the museum’s ability to sell or dispose of pieces in its collection except under specific circumstances.

Sunak is unlikely to break with the stances of his two predecessors, who were both against any kind of loan of the marbles to Greece.

“The UK has cared for the Elgin Marbles for generations. Our galleries and museums are funded by taxpayers because they are a huge asset to this country,” Sunak told reporters on his plane as he flew to the United States on monday

“We share their treasures with the world, and the world comes to the UK to see them. The collection of the British Museum is protected by law, and we have no plans to change it.”

Since its independence in 1832, Greece has repeatedly demanded the return of the statues known as the Elgin Marbles, which were stolen from the Parthenon temple in Athens by British ambassador Lord Elgin in the early nineteenth century, while Greece was under Ottoman domination.

George Osborne, a former finance minister and the chair of the British Museum, has been collaborating with Greece to develop a new agreement that would enable the Parthenon sculptures to be displayed in both Athens and London. The Parthenon Project, which has received support from politicians across various parties in the UK, announced on Sunday that a long-term cultural partnership agreement could potentially facilitate the return of the British Museum’s Parthenon collection to Greece.

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The debate is further complicated by legal restrictions.

The British Museum Act of 1963 is a principal piece of legislation that shapes the fate of the marbles.

It forbids the museum from disposing of its holdings except in specific, narrowly defined cases, which do not currently include the possibility of permanent restitution to Greece.

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Content: UK museums strike loan deal to return Asante Gold to Ghana that was looted over 100 years ago

25 January 2024, 07:25 | Updated: 25 January 2024, 07:27

By Jenny Medlicott

The UK is returning a selection of Asante Gold looted from Ghana over 100 years ago in a historic loan deal.

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The British Museum has struck a deal to return 15 pieces of the gold to Ghana and the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) 17 pieces, under a new three-year loan deal.

Loan deals are used as a way to enable collections to return to their countries of origin.

The Ghanian loan deal, which can be extended by an additional three years, was agreed with Otumfo Osei Tutu II, the current Asante king known as the Asantehene.

Some national museums in the UK, including the V&A and British Museum, are prohibited from permanently returning such items to their countries of origin.

The items will reportedly go on display at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Asante region, to celebrate the Asantehene's silver jubilee.

Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, said the gold items taken from the court of the Asante King are the equivalent of "our Crown Jewels".

Mr Hunt also said when museums "hold objects with origins in war and looting in military campaigns, we have a responsibility to the countries of origin to think about how we can share those more fairly today.

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"It doesn't seem to me that all of our museums will fall down if we build up these kind of partnerships and exchanges,” he told the BBC.

It is hoped the historic deal will pave the way for handling other repatriation disputes - potentially including the long-running dispute over the Elgin Marbles.

Ghana’s chief operation said he hoped the deal would bring a “a new sense of cultural co-operation” following years of anger.

However, some have expressed concern that accepting the items on loan could be seen as acceptance of the UK’s ownership of the contested items.

Most of the items were taken during 19th-century wars between the British and the Asante.

A sword of state and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king are among the items to be returned.

The artefacts are seen as a symbol of the Asante royal government and are believed to hold the spirits of former Asante kings.

As for other contested artefacts held by British museums, in the case of the Elgin Marbles, a senior British Museum has source said the museum was “still exploring if there is an arrangement that would allow some of the Parthenon sculptures to travel to Greece”.

It is hoped deals such as these could help provide a solution to former colonial nations requesting the return of their cultural treasures.

This statutory obstacle is a core reason cited by the UK government for its inability and unwillingness to return the marbles despite growing calls for their repatriation .

Title:

Content: Opinion

Bring them home

At the end of August, it was reported that around 2,000 artefacts, including gold jewellery and gems, had been stolen from the British Museum over a long period of time.

Chairman of the trustees, George Osborne acknowledged that the museum’s reputation has suffered as a result of its mishandling of the thefts, which sparked outrage after it was revealed that most of the stolen antiquities may never be recovered due to the museum’s poor record keeping, raising questions about security and leadership.

For decades, the British Museum has argued that the Parthenon Marbles should not be returned to Greece since the country lacks a suitable location for their display.

The Acropolis Museum, on the other hand, has solidified its place among the world’s top ten best museums and is the go-to museum in Athens where one can readily understand why Greece is considered the cradle of Western civilization. So, why not return the Parthenon marbles to their rightful home, and how did they end up in the British Museum in the first place?

In the early 1800s, when British aristocrat Lord Elgin sailed home from Greece, he also shipped to England some of the greatest treasures of antiquity, which included a collection of Greek statues and carved frieze panels that once decorated the Parthenon in Athens.

The so-called Elgin Marbles were later sold to the British government with the approval of the Ottomans who ruled Greece at the time and became the most storied artefacts in the British Museum’s collection. They also became the subject of perhaps the world’s most notorious cultural dispute.

The British maintain that the marbles were legally acquired and they belong in a universal museum alongside other artefacts, excluding the 2,000 that were now reportedly stolen. The Greeks, on the other hand, view them as looted treasures that form the cornerstone of their national heritage.

For decades, the issue of the Parthenon Marbles has been on the agenda of the Unesco Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property (ICPRCP). In fact, it was Melina Mercouri, the Greek Minister of Culture at the time, who raised the matter of their return during the 1982 Unesco World Conference.

Although the forum ruled in favour of the cause, stating that restitution of works illegally removed from their countries of origin is a fundamental principle of people-to-people cultural relations, Mercouri’s British counterpart responded that the UK Government “could not intervene in the affairs of a private establishment like the British Museum.”

While efforts are underway to retrieve the stolen antiquities, the British Museum’s collections may never be recovered because the museum’s records only identify the collection as a whole and fail to list the individual pieces.

This is not the first time the museum’s image as a safe keeper of global treasures has been called into doubt. The poor condition of the British Museum’s western block has been recorded numerous times. Images of water leaking into the Parthenon gallery were broadcast on Greek television in 2018, resulting from a cracked glass ceiling pane. Although the glass was replaced with new fixings and no sculptures were destroyed, a leaking roof in 2021 resulted in water seeping through, once again, delaying the reopening of the Greek galleries following the pandemic.

The British Museum claimed that none of the statues had been damaged and the issue was addressed. However, for Greece, these events demonstrate that the British Museum is failing to care for the Parthenon Marbles, reinforcing the country’s legitimate claim that the sculptures be permanently returned to Athens.

Earlier this year, the British Museum moved closer to a landmark agreement with Athens that could result in the return of the marbles. Although existing legislation makes it illegal to give away treasures, Osborne is reportedly seeking to repatriate the Parthenon Marbles as part of a cultural exchange that would see other Greek antiques displayed at the British Museum. Over half of the British people support their repatriation to Greece.

Hundreds of statues from the Archaic and Classical periods can be found at the ultramodern Acropolis Museum. The top level is the museum’s showcase, which provides a visual link to the Acropolis and allows visitors to view both the monument and its sculptures. The majority of the Parthenon Marbles will be displayed there upon their anticipated return.

The Parthenon Sculptures were made in Greece by Greeks to honour the glory of Greece. They represent millions of people’s cultural identities. Greece is their true home. It is where they belong.

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Title:

Content:
Send Them Home

The Elgin Marbles, actually the Parthenon Marbles, have been Greek for over two thousand years and still are in every way except location. They were taken, realistically stolen, by Lord Elgin in the early 1800s and most people believe should be returned but that is actually illegal under British Museum Act 1963 and offers to ‘lend’ them are insulting.

One of the most obvious concerns that many museums have is that they would be emptied of items that were acquired, a weasel word for stolen, during times when the attitudes were different. Different attitudes do not condone theft.

Let’s return the thefts of the past to their rightful owners and put the past attitudes in the rubbish bin of time.

Dennis Fitzgerald,
Melbourne, Australia

Related Articles

The British Museum and its supporters argue that the marbles are held in trust for "all mankind" and that their display in London serves an educational and cultural purpose, accessible to a global audience.

They stress the supposed legality of Elgin's transaction and the museum's role in preserving the marbles, which might have been further damaged or destroyed had they remained in situ during the turbulent conditions of 19th-century Athens.

Furthermore, the British side notes that UK law does not allow the marbles’ return and that the collection should not be broken up.

Greece counters that the marbles constitute a unique cultural ensemble, inseparable from their original context on the Parthenon.

Repatriation is presented as an act of restorative justice, correcting the historic wrong of removal under colonial-like circumstances.

The Greek government underscores its commitment to global access by offering to loan other treasures as replacements and stresses the world-class facilities of the Acropolis Museum, which was explicitly built to house the marbles if returned.

Greece also sees the marbles’ return as aligned with universal principles of heritage and identity, as well as international precedents around restitution .

In recent years, diplomacy and public opinion have placed the matter firmly in the public eye.

Greek leaders, particularly Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, have made high-profile offers, including cultural exchanges or even loans to the British Museum if the Elgin Marbles can return to Athens on any basis—permanent or temporary.

While there have been indications of advanced talks between Greek and British officials, these have centered on possible loan arrangements or cultural partnerships.

The idea is for the marbles to be displayed in Athens for a period while the British Museum hosts major Greek works in exchange.

Despite these discussions, permanent transfer of ownership remains politically and legally constrained in the UK, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and previous leaders ruling out changing the statute.

The British Museum itself, while interested in a so-called "Parthenon partnership," does not plan to break up its collection or relinquish ultimate control .

Public opinion in the UK has evolved, with more than half of the British public now reportedly backing the return of the marbles to Greece.

UNESCO has repeatedly supported Greek claims, underscoring that the repatriation of cultural property removed under questionable circumstances is a basic tenet of international heritage law .

Several proposed solutions have emerged from scholars, diplomats, and cultural leaders.

These include digitizing or replicating the marbles for display in London while originals reside in Athens, or implementing long-term renewable loans.

Returns of pieces such as the Benin Bronzes or Asante Gold under renewable loan agreements are seen as potential models, showing that cultural exchange is possible while navigational legal frameworks remain unchanged .

For future archaeologists, this case highlights several practical and ethical lessons: the importance of clear legal frameworks around excavation and export at the time of discovery, the significance of context in interpreting and displaying cultural objects, and the evolving standards of international cultural property law.

It also reinforces the continuing negotiation between cultural stewardship responsibilities and the identities, claims, and dignity of source nations.

The Elgin Marbles controversy remains unresolved in terms of permanent restitution, but new pathways involving loans, reciprocity, and cooperative partnerships suggest compromise is possible if political will can overcome statutory barriers .

In summary, the dispute over the Elgin Marbles is emblematic of broader global debates on the legitimacy of museum collections acquired during periods of imperialism or conflict.

While the British Museum holds the marbles under national law and claims universalist justification, Greece claims them as a vital piece of national heritage improperly removed.

Multiple proposals and diplomatic efforts signal interest in resolution, but statutory, political, and philosophical disagreements persist.

For the field of archaeology, outcomes of this case may set important precedents in balancing discovery, dissemination, and ethical stewardship of cultural heritage.


Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong affection for corgis transformed the breed into a global cultural icon and a symbol of British royalty.

The royal connection began during her childhood when the royal family acquired their first corgi, Dookie, in 1933.

At age 18, the Queen received her first personal corgi, Susan, who later accompanied her even on her honeymoon and became the foundation of a 14-generation royal line .

Over her reign, she owned more than 30 corgis, most of them direct descendants of Susan.

Describing her corgis as part of her family, Queen Elizabeth II featured them in official portraits, major public events, and celebrations such as her Platinum Jubilee, where corgi images were projected onto Buckingham Palace and commemorative media .

The Queen’s visible bond with her corgis made them inseparable from her public image.

This connection was regularly highlighted in the press and even included in pop culture moments, such as the 2012 London Olympics video.

Her corgis also appeared after her passing, attracting global attention at her funeral .

Such high-profile exposure elevated corgis to status as symbols of charm, intelligence, and loyal companionship .

This royal endorsement sparked a surge in corgi popularity.

Registrations for Pembroke Welsh Corgis in the UK reached a 30-year high after the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and her death, with her influence credited as the primary reason for the breed’s transformation from a little-known herding dog to one of the UK’s and the world’s most beloved and marketable pets .

The Queen’s corgis are celebrated in costumes, festivals, media, and collectibles globally, reinforcing their desirability as pets with an unmatched royal connection.

Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong affection for corgis transformed the breed into a global cultural icon and a symbol of British royalty.

Title:

Content: Dog breeds with the most timeless popularity

Published 11:15 am Friday, June 17, 2022

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Dog breeds with the most timeless popularity

Which do you like better, cats or dogs? If you chose dogs, you’re in the majority: 74% of adults said they prefer dogs, while only 41% of adults said the same about cats, according to a poll conducted by the Associated Press. That’s not to suggest dogs are inherently better than their feline friends. Evolutionarily speaking, cats have actually been more successful, with superior hunting skills enabling survival even when food is scarce. On the other hand, science suggests dogs are smarter than cats because their cerebral cortexes contain twice as many neurons.

There may never be a clear answer, but for the majority who prefer man’s best friend, Stacker has compiled a list of the top 35 dog breeds with the most timeless popularity. Using data from the American Kennel Club, we averaged each breed’s level of popularity in 1940 with its popularity in 2021. This analysis excluded any new breed introduced since 1940 and is based on data released on March 15, 2022, the most recent data available. Any ties were decided by the breed that ranked highest in 2021.

Different breeds have grown famous for various reasons, such as Welsh corgis, the Queen’s favorite dog breed, or Dalmatians, whose popularity skyrocketed when the 1996 film “101 Dalmatians” hit theaters.

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Click through to find out if your favorite dog was just as beloved 80 years ago.

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#35. Chow chows

– Average rank over time: 46.5
– 1940 rank: 13
– 2021 rank: 80

Originating in northern China, chow chows have thick double-coats and characteristic blue-black tongues. Martha Stewart is particularly fond of this breed and has owned a number of them.

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#34. Brittanys

– Average rank: 45.5
– 1940 rank: 64
– 2021 rank: 27

Due to its fondness for humans and family-friendly disposition, Brittanys have become one of the most well-known dogs in the United States. Brittanys were originally bred as hunting dogs and known as Brittany Spaniels until 1982, when the word “spaniel” was dropped.

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#33. Newfoundlands

– Average rank: 44.5
– 1940 rank: 44
– 2021 rank: 45

Newfoundlands are known for their large size, which is enhanced by their heavy double-coat. They are also characterized by their sweet and gentle personality. While they may seem like the perfect pet, one of the Newfoundlands’ less desirable traits is their tendency to drool.

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#32. West Highland White Terriers

– Average rank: 44.5
– 1940 rank: 43
– 2021 rank: 46

Called Westie for short, the West Highland White Terrier descends from a group of terriers bred to seek out vermin. As a result, they may share ancestors with cairn terriers and Scottish terriers. Though they look like soft stuffed animals, their outer coat is actually wiry and coarse.

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#31. Pugs

– Average rank: 44.5
– 1940 rank: 56
– 2021 rank: 33

Pugs are said to have originated in China and were once a prized possession of the Chinese royal family. Their popularity grew over the years, eventually reaching Europe and, after the Civil War, the United States. Pugs are recognized as canine clowns but don’t expect them to hunt, defend, or retrieve anything.

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#30. Siberian Huskies

– Average rank: 43
– 1940 rank: 67
– 2021 rank: 19

As their name hints, Siberian Huskies originated from Siberia. They were bred to have serious endurance and a thick coat to withstand severe winters. These wolf-like dogs have won the hearts of many pet owners with their high energy and extra friendly personality.

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#29. Irish setters

– Average rank: 42.5
– 1940 rank: 14
– 2021 rank: 71

Characterized by their silky chestnut coats, Irish setters were originally bred to hunt birds. Although they love humans, their hunting instincts can make them a threat to smaller animals. They are active and energetic, so potential owners should be prepared to take them on lots of long walks or runs.

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#28. Airedale terriers

– Average rank: 41
– 1940 rank: 20
– 2021 rank: 62

The largest of all terriers, Airedales typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. President Warren Harding’s terrier, Laddie Boy, was the first presidential pet to receive significant media attention.

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#27. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers

– Average rank: 41
– 1940 rank: 34
– 2021 rank: 48

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever gets its name from the shallow estuary that’s surrounded by Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. In the 19th century, Chessies were used to hunt ducks in the Bay since their coat helps them repel water and stay warm.

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#26. Saint Bernards

– Average rank: 39.5
– 1940 rank: 26
– 2021 rank: 53

Saint Bernards are extremely large dogs, typically weighing between 120 and 180 pounds. One Saint Bernard named Benedictine was said to have weighed more than 350 pounds. Though their size may be intimidating, Saint Bernards are a gentle, loving breed.

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#25. Dalmatians

– Average rank: 36.5
– 1940 rank: 24
– 2021 rank: 49

Dalmations have roots tracing back to Croatia and are named after the country’s Dalmatia region. Their original job was to guard horse-drawn carriages, including horse-drawn fire engines, which is why they’re associated with firefighters to this day.

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#24. Yorkshire terriers

– Average rank: 36.5
– 1940 rank: 60
– 2021 rank: 13

The Yorkshire terrier is a fiery yet affectionate companion despite its small size. The “Yorkie,” one of the most popular toy dog breeds in the United States, has gained many lovers thanks to their devotion to their owners, exquisite appearance, and adaptability to urban living.

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#23. Basset hounds

– Average rank: 35.5
– 1940 rank: 37
– 2021 rank: 34

Bred for hunting rabbits, the basset hound’s sense of smell is the second-sharpest of all breeds, bested only by the bloodhound. Basset hounds are descendants of French dogs. Their name is derived from the French word “bas,” which means low—a reference to their short stature.

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#22. Scottish terriers

– Average rank: 31
– 1940 rank: 4
– 2021 rank: 58

This breed was developed in the Scottish Highlands and brought to the U.S. in 1883. Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt owned a Scottish terrier named Fala. She was said to have received her own fan mail, and now has her own statue next to Roosevelt’s memorial in Washington D.C.

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#21. Pembroke Welsh corgis

– Average rank: 31
– 1940 rank: 51
– 2021 rank: 11

Corgis get their name from the Welsh word “cor ci,” which means “dwarf dog,” a feature evident in their short legs and long body. A large part of their popularity came from the fact that Pembroke Welsh corgis are the Queen’s favorite dog breed.

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#20. Shetland sheepdogs

– Average rank: 30.5
– 1940 rank: 33
– 2021 rank: 28

Also known as Shelties, Shetland sheepdogs were bred in the United Kingdom as herding dogs. These long-coated pups look similar to their collie relatives but are much smaller, weighing only about 20 pounds.

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#19. Chihuahuas

– Average rank: 29.5
– 1940 rank: 22
– 2021 rank: 37

One of the smallest dog breeds, Chihuahuas typically weigh no more than 6 pounds. This breed has earned itself a lot of screen time, with roles in “Legally Blonde,” “Meet the Fockers,” “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” and as Taco Bell’s former mascot, Gidget.

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#18. Miniature schnauzers

– Average rank: 27
– 1940 rank: 36
– 2021 rank: 18

The most popular of the three schnauzer breeds, the miniature schnauzer was developed as a farm dog that could track down and kill vermin. The traditional appearance of these schnauzers includes “cropped” ears. This type of surgery is now illegal in some countries, and a few U.S. states have considered legislation to ban it.

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#17. French bulldogs

– Average rank: 27
– 1940 rank: 52
– 2021 rank: 2

French bulldogs resemble little bulldogs with bat ears. Interestingly, French bulldogs were first bred in England before becoming famous in France. Although “Frenchies” are not service dogs, a French bulldog became a military hero in American history.

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#16. German shorthaired pointers

– Average rank: 25
– 1940 rank: 41
– 2021 rank: 9

German shorthaired pointers were bred to be hunters and are still one of the most successful breeds in hunting competitions. Pointers often have a distinct speckled coat in white, black, or liver (a unique shade of brown).

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#15. Golden retrievers

– Average rank: 24.5
– 1940 rank: 46
– 2021 rank: 3

Golden retrievers were bred to be the perfect gundogs to help their owners, lords of the Scottish Highlands, to help them hunt geese. Their beautiful stature and coat, calm temperament, and friendly nature make golden retrievers popular as family dogs.

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#14. Collies

– Average rank: 24
– 1940 rank: 10
– 2021 rank: 38

Collies are an athletic and loving breed. One of the most famous dogs of all time, Lassie, is a collie. She was portrayed by a dog named Pal in seven feature films, and in later iterations by Pal’s descendants.

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#13. Pomeranians

– Average rank: 18
– 1940 rank: 12
– 2021 rank: 24

This breed combines a tiny figure with a big personality. Although they weigh no more than 7 pounds, Pomeranians can be possessive and behave aggressively toward those who threaten their space. As a result, they may not be ideal for families with young children.

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#12. English Springer Spaniels

– Average rank: 17
– 1940 rank: 8
– 2021 rank: 26

English Springer Spaniels were bred as hunting dogs and are active, obedient pups. Springer spaniels have won six Best in Show awards at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the third-most of any breed.

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#11. Great Danes

– Average rank: 16.5
– 1940 rank: 16
– 2021 rank: 17

Despite what their name suggests, the Great Dane was developed by the Germans. This breed often holds the record for the tallest living dog. At 7 feet and 4 inches, a Great Dane named Zeus held this title until his death in 2014.

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#10. Doberman pinschers

– Average rank: 15.5
– 1940 rank: 15
– 2021 rank: 16

This breed gets its name from Louis Dobermann of Apolda, Germany. Dobermann bred a dog who could protect him while he worked as a tax collector. Though their history may have stereotyped them as aggressive, Dobermans can be socialized to be loving, friendly dogs.

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#9. Boxers

– Average rank: 15.5
– 1940 rank: 17
– 2021 rank: 14

The boxer’s ancestor is a German dog called the Bullenbeisser, which was used to hunt larger animals like deer and boar. Though they sprung from talented hunters, modern boxers make loving family dogs, as well as great service pets. This breed has also been very successful at the Westminster Dog Show, winning Best in Show four times.

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#8. Cocker spaniels

– Average rank: 15
– 1940 rank: 1
– 2021 rank: 29

Cocker spaniels are the smallest breed in the sporting group, typically weighing no more than 30 pounds. They were developed to hunt birds, specifically the woodcock, which is where they get their name.

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#7. Labrador Retrievers

– Average rank: 15
– 1940 rank: 29
– 2021 rank: 1

Despite their name, Labrador retrievers developed in Newfoundland, Canada, as opposed to Labrador, Canada. With coats generally in either yellow, chocolate, or black, Labs are an active breed that loves people and other animals.

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#6. Poodles

– Average rank: 14
– 1940 rank: 23
– 2021 rank: 5

Poodles originated in Germany, where they were used to hunt ducks. Their name comes from the German word “pudelin,” which means “to splash in water.” Many 1950s American celebrities owned poodles, including Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Lucille Ball.

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#5. Boston terriers

– Average rank: 13
– 1940 rank: 3
– 2021 rank: 23

Even though terrier is in their name, Boston terriers are part of the nonsporting group. The other half of their name makes more sense: They were developed in Boston and became the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979.

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#4. German shepherds

– Average rank: 11
– 1940 rank: 18
– 2021 rank: 4

These large, muscular dogs are easily trained, making them an excellent choice for police K9 units. The German shepherd was affected by the anti-German sentiment that was aroused in the early 20th century. In Britain, German shepherds were renamed Alsatians after World War I began.

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#3. Bulldogs

– Average rank: 8.5
– 1940 rank: 11
– 2021 rank: 6

The bulldog’s name references its past, when it was used during bull-baiting in England. Considered a sport, bull-baiting involved a dog attempting to bring down tied-up bull. Due to their pups’ large heads, most bulldogs give birth through C-section.

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#2. Dachshunds

– Average rank: 8
– 1940 rank: 6
– 2021 rank: 10

Known for having relatively short legs and a long body, the dachshund’s shape meant it could track scents easily, as well as fit into burrows. The first time the Olympics had a mascot was during the summer games of 1972 in Munich; the mascot selected was a dachshund named Waldi.

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#1. Beagles

– Average rank: 4.5
– 1940 rank: 2
– 2021 rank: 7

Beagles were first brought to the United States after the Civil War, when they were used for hunting rabbits. Their long ears aided them in picking up subtle sounds, and their white-tipped tails helped keep them visible. Though he may not look like one, “Peanuts” character Snoopy is in fact a beagle.

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The royal connection began during her childhood when the royal family acquired their first corgi, Dookie, in 1933.

Title:

Content: Prince William reassures fan that Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved corgis are ‘fine’

As Prince William surprised mourners waiting outside Westminster Hall to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday, one had a pressing question on her mind: How are the late Queen’s beloved corgis faring?

“I saw them the other day,” the recently anointed Prince of Wales, 40, said in response.

“They’re being looked after fine. They’re two very friendly corgis. They’ve got a good home, they’re being looked after very well.”

The woman looked rather relieved to hear this, offering her condolences to William before he continued down the line.

It’s widely known that Queen Elizabeth harbored a lifelong adoration for the dog breed.

When she died on Sept. 8 at the age of 96, she left two of them behind: Muick and Sandy, along with a cocker spaniel named Lissy. Another one of her much-loved pups, an elderly dachshund-corgi mix named Candy, reportedly passed away just months before the Queen‘s death.

As Prince William alluded, Muick and Sandy have already safely moved in with Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson – with whom he still cohabitates – at their shared residence in Windsor. Meanwhile, Lissy is reportedly staying with her trainer, per E!.

As previously reported, it was back in 1933 when Queen Elizabeth II received her first corgi, Dookie. The pooch was gifted to the then-7-year-old by her father, George VI.

The late Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis throughout her life, getting her first one in 1933 at age 7.

Getty Images

The late Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis throughout her life, getting her first one in 1933 at age 7.

Getty Images

The late Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis throughout her life, getting her first one in 1933 at age 7.

Getty Images

The late Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis throughout her life, getting her first one in 1933 at age 7.

Bettmann Archive

The late Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis throughout her life, getting her first one in 1933 at age 7.

Bettmann Archive

The late Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis throughout her life, getting her first one in 1933 at age 7.

Getty Images

The late Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 corgis throughout her life, getting her first one in 1933 at age 7.

Getty Images

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Then, on the Queen’s 18th birthday in 1944, her parents gave her another corgi-pup, this one named Susan.

It’s been reported that, of the more than 30 corgis Queen Elizabeth was said to have owned over her lifetime, many were Susan’s descendants. The lineage sadly ended in 2015, however, when her last living progeny, Willow, died at the age of 15.

The Duke and Duchess of York brought Muick – along with another pooch named Fergus who tragically succumbed to a congenital heart defect very shortly thereafter – into the Queen’s life in March of 2021 to cheer her up in light of her late husband Prince Philip’s declining health. The late Duke of Edinburgh died at the age of 99 that April.

From there, Sandy found her way to Buckingham Palace on the occasion of the Queen’s 95th birthday.

She seemed to have no problem fitting right into the royal lifestyle, easily making her way into the monarch’s heart after the loss of her husband.

At age 18, the Queen received her first personal corgi, Susan, who later accompanied her even on her honeymoon and became the foundation of a 14-generation royal line .

Title:

Content: To the rest of the world, she is Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom—but to generations of corgis, she was always just Mum.

The queen’s beloved corgis have never been far from her side, ever since she fell in love with the breed as a young girl.

See Also: Royal Family Shares Throwback Photos of Prince Charles

The queen received her first corgi, Susan, as an 18th birthday present, and her 14 generations of royal corgis since then have all descended from the same line. Sadly, Susan’s very last descendant, Willow, recently passed away, marking the end of era for the royal family. However, the queen will forever be associated with the distinctive breed.

We’re looking back at her lifelong affection for corgis. Launch the gallery to see candid photos of Queen Elizabeth and her favorite canine companions!

Over her reign, she owned more than 30 corgis, most of them direct descendants of Susan.

Describing her corgis as part of her family, Queen Elizabeth II featured them in official portraits, major public events, and celebrations such as her Platinum Jubilee, where corgi images were projected onto Buckingham Palace and commemorative media .

The Queen’s visible bond with her corgis made them inseparable from her public image.

This connection was regularly highlighted in the press and even included in pop culture moments, such as the 2012 London Olympics video.

Title:

Content: The Wildest Awards: International Dog Day 2021 · The Wildest

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The Wildest Awards: International Dog Day 2021

August 26th is International Dog Day. To celebrate, we’re honoring 10 Instagram VIPs (Very Important Puppies) from around the world — from best dressed to best #mood.

by Charles Manning
August 25, 2021

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It’s August 26 and that means it’s International Dog Day. Yay! Or should we say woof? Either way, the point is: DOGS! Amiright!? So cute, so lovable, so freaking photogenic. In celebration of the wonder that is dogs, we’re shelling out awards to 10 of the best good boys and girls Instagram has to offer. Yes, sort of like senior superlatives!

Now I know what you’re thinking: how were these selections made? Was it done by committee? Is there any data I can peruse to justify these...? No, stop it right there. Bad human. BAD! You’re overthinking it. Just relax and let the cuteness wash over you like so many sweet, slobbery puppy kisses.

Best Smile

@marutaro (Japan)

Look at that face. Couldn’t you just die?! At 40 lbs, Maru is pretty husky for a Shiba Inu (the smallest of Japan’s native dog breeds) but all that extra plush just makes him look that much snugglier. His human, Shinjiro Ono, bought him from a pet store about 12 years ago. He didn’t plan on getting a dog, but every week he would pass the shop and notice that while the other, more svelte dogs quickly found homes, chubby little Maru remained. “I became worried,” Ono said in an interview in 2020. “What happens if I don’t buy him?” How anyone could pass up this plump little unit, we’ll never know. But it doesn’t matter now, because he’s found his forever home and he couldn’t be happier. Just look at that smile. “I think Maru's smile catches people's heart,” Ono said. “It brings peace and makes people feel happy.” Indeed!

Best Dressed

@tikatheiggy (Canada)

Did you know that “Tika” is French-Canadian for “Fashion?” Oui, absolument! (Well… not technically, but spiritually, emotionally, metaphysically — 100%) You’ve no doubt seen the viral video of her showing off the haute ensembles she was unable to wear due to the pandemic. Or, at the very least, you’ve seen one of the many homage and copycat videos it inspired. Hysterical and chic is a very difficult balance to strike, but Tika does it flawlessly.

Cutest Thing on Two Legs

@turboroo (USA)

TurboRoo was born without front legs, but that has never stopped him from being active, happy, and vibrant. He just needs a little extra help getting around. Luckily, he’s got a 3D-printed set of wheels to help with that and a vet-tech mom who loves him just the way he is!

Best Shag

@lecorgi (UK)

Corgis are the favorite breed of reigning British monarch Queen Elizabeth II, so it’s no surprise that they are massively popular across that country and around the world. What makes Marcel particularly special, though, is his longer-than-average coat, which gives him a sort of rakish aristocratic look, don’t you think? Luxurious and sort of haphazard. Very to-the-doghouse-born! He’s also got the most expressive little eyebrows, which — in combination with his lovely, shaggy coat — make one think that if Dumbledore were an animal, he might have looked something like Marcel.

Best Buds

@wat.ki (USA)

Watson and Kiko are always hugging. OMG. My heart. I just. I can’t. I gotta sit down.

#Bestlife

@kittyetlola (France)

Traveling around France and being pampered with your best friend by your side all the way? Not a bad life, if you can get it!

Best Tongue-to-Head Ratio

@itsdougthepug (USA)

Doug has the tongue of a dog twice his size and god bless him if he isn’t the cutest little slobber monster around. He also really knows how to work a lewk. I mean, his costume game is on point. And those rolls! Ugh, what a little heartbreaker.

Best #Mood

@tunameltsmyheart (USA)

That overbite! That face! Could Tuna be any more of a #Mood? Also, doesn’t he look exactly like Amy Sedaris’ iconic character, Jerri Blank, from Strangers With Candy? If Amy ever does a reboot, Tuna must be brought on board.

Best Advocate for Adoption

@lifeofpikelet (Australia)

Pikelet Butterwiggle Still was saved from a kill shelter and now helps foster other dogs and remind people that all dogs are worthy of love and it is always better to #adoptdontshop.

Pouffiest Pouf

@bichon_tori (Korea)

I mean, there’s floof, and then there’s flooooooooof. Tori looks like she’s made of cotton balls and if you groom her too much she’s liable to disappear, which would be a real shame because she is Just. So. Cute.

Charles Manning

Charles Manning is an actor, writer, and fashion/media consultant living in New York City with his two cats, Pumpkin and Bear. Follow him on Instagram @charlesemanning.

Her corgis also appeared after her passing, attracting global attention at her funeral .

Title:

Content: King Charles Spaniel numbers are declining and the breed is on the Kennel Club's 'vulnerable list' - amid Corgi boom following Queen Elizabeth's death

  • Corgis have seen boom in popularity after Platinum Jubilee and death of Queen
  • Number of Pembroke Welsh Corgis registered with Kennel Club hit 30-year peak
  • But popularity of King Charles Spaniels is continuing to decline, hitting a low
  • Lovers of the breed are hoping sharing name with new King will boost the dogs

Interest in Corgis has boomed following the Platinum Jubilee and the death of Queen Elizabeth, according to the Kennel Club.

Numbers of Pembroke Welsh Corgis registered with the organisation have reached a 30-year high, the Times reports.

Conversely, King Charles Spaniels are continuing to see a decline in their popularity, with lovers of the breed reportedly hoping that sharing a moniker with the new monarch may give the dogs a boost (though the new king prefers Jack Russells).

The breed, which is on the Kennel Club's vulnerable list, hit a low in 2020, with just 56 registrations. This increased to 91 in 2021, but numbers so far this year are so low, it is likely to drop beneath 2020.

The number of Corgis registered with the Kennel Club has reached a 30-year high, with interest growing following the death of the Queen (pictured here in 1980 with three of the dogs)

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (as pictured) are doing well in terms of popularity, although their close relative the King Charles Spaniel (not pictured) is seeing a decline

However, it notes that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, the original breed from which King Charles diverged in the middle of the century, is doing well, with 3,772 registrations last year.

The original Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed was developed from toy spaniels. Popular as women's pets, they were also beloved of King Charles II, who was said to be so fond of his spaniels, he could not be parted from them.

Although Corgis were on the Kennel Club's vulnerable list in 2014, they are now one ofthe UK's most popular breeds, and the Queen is credited with boosting their popularity (pictured: Queen Elizabeth with one of her beloved corgis, Candy)

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has become known as a symbol of British royalty thanks to its long-standing association with the Queen

Lovers of the ailing King Charles Spaniel may look to the influence the Queen had in turning around the fortune of corgis in recent decades.

The breed was listed as 'vulnerable' in 2014, and the Kennel Club credits Her Majesty's love of the dogs as the major factor in making them one of the UK's most popular breeds today.

Corgis, which have four short legs, a long snout and two huge pointed ears, are famous for being a symbol of British royalty.

HISTORY OF THE CORGI BREED

The word 'Corgi' is Welsh for 'Dwarf Dog', and there are two types; the Pembroke, which is the Queen's breed, and the Cardigan Corgi, a descendent Teckel family of dogs, which also produced the Dachshund

Pembroke Welsh Corgis originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales from the Spitz family of dogs which are characterised by long, thick fur and pointed ears and muzzle

Corgis are a cattle herding breed that can be traced back as far as 1107 AD, thought to have been brought to Wales by  Flemish weavers

They are the type of herding dog referred to as 'heelers', meaning that they would nip at the heels of cattle to keep them moving

The combination of their low height off the ground and the innate agility of Welsh Corgis would allow them to avoid the hooves of the larger animals

They were officially recognised as a native British breed by The Kennel Club in 1928, but Cardigans and Pembrokes weren't seen as separate breeds until 1934

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The Queen owned more than 30 of the sandy, short-legged dogs throughout her reign.

She was gifted her first corgi, called Susan, for her 18th birthday from her late father King George VI. Ten generations of her corgis then descended from Susan.

Her dogs were given the Royal treatment having their own rooms with elevated wicker baskets and meals of beef, chick, rabbit, liver, cabbage and rice being prepared by a chef each evening.

Sometimes the Queen herself made the dog's meals. But her late husband was said to have 'loathed' the dogs' yapping.

She left behind two dogs - Sandy and Muick - who are now cared for by Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York at their Royal Lodge home.

Muick, pronounced Mick, joined the royal family at the start of 2021 along with a so-called 'dorgi', a cross between a corgi and a dachshund, called Fergus.

Fergus, who had been named after the Monarch's uncle who was killed during battle in the First World War, died after just five months.

He was later replaced with a new corgi called Sandy, as a 95th birthday present from Prince Andrew and his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Meanwhile Muick was named after Loch Muick on the Balmoral Estate.

Palace sources speaking to the Daily Mail previously revealed the beloved corgis were 'with [the Queen] in the room' at her deathbed when she died on September 8 at Balmoral.

They then touched people's hearts when they made a poignant appearance at Her Majesty's funeral on September 19.

As the late monarch's coffin made its way from London to its final resting place in Windsor, Muick and Sandy waited for the processional to pass, to see the Queen for one last time.

The dogs were seen waiting in the quadrangle with two aides before the late monarch was laid to rest in St George's Chapel.

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King Charles Spaniel numbers declining amid Corgi boom following Queen Elizabeth's death

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Such high-profile exposure elevated corgis to status as symbols of charm, intelligence, and loyal companionship .

This royal endorsement sparked a surge in corgi popularity.

Registrations for Pembroke Welsh Corgis in the UK reached a 30-year high after the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and her death, with her influence credited as the primary reason for the breed’s transformation from a little-known herding dog to one of the UK’s and the world’s most beloved and marketable pets .

The Queen’s corgis are celebrated in costumes, festivals, media, and collectibles globally, reinforcing their desirability as pets with an unmatched royal connection.