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Two-year-old Jalayne Sutherland donned Queen Elizabeth II’s iconic powder blue dress and pearls this past Halloween, with her two pet corgis by her side– just like the Queen herself.
Sutherland first got the idea for the costume after watching her daughter bond so strongly with the family’s two pet corgis– a breed of dog that are staples of the Royal Family.
The Kentucky toddler’s mother, Katelyn Sutherland, posted photos comparing the “little Queen” to Queen Elizabeth II, and her friends immediately responded by telling her to send the images to Windsor Palace.
Sutherland had read in the news that the Queen was ill, and although she was jaded as to how likely it was the Queen herself would see the photos, a part of her hoped that her daughter’s costume would brighten the monarch’s mood.
Two months later, as Sutherland was collecting her mail, she noticed one letter that was not like the rest: it was addressed to Jalayne and sealed with a royal stamp.
“It was mixed in with our other mail,” Sutherland explained, “I had to calm myself down and make sure not to rip the envelope.”
The letter was signed by the lady-in-waiting, Mary Morrison, and read:
“Her Majesty thought it kind of you to write to her, and The Queen was pleased to see the photograph of your daughter, Jalayne, in her splendid outfit.”
Morrison went on to wish the Sutherlands a Merry Christmas on the Queen’s behalf, offering the “little Queen” some facts about the Queen’s own corgis.
“Her Majesty hopes you all have a very Merry Christmas, and I am enclosing a little information about the Royal Pets, which Jalayne might like to have.”
Kentucky’s “Little Queen” celebrates letter from Windsor Palace
Sutherland plans to mount and frame the letter until her daughter is old enough to understand its meaning and save it for herself. The Kentucky family reportedly danced around their kitchen together upon opening the letter, with the two-year-old wearing her powder blue hat from the costume.
“Ever since Jalayne was born the two corgis have been best friends with her,” Sutherland said, “Especially since she started eating and sneaking them food, they loved her even more.”
Sutherland explained that the costume allowed her daughter to bond with the family’s dogs while also having her own unique look. Sutherland posted the images on Facebook along with her son’s Superman costume, with the caption “Queen Elizabeth II and her corgis!! And of course Superman!!”
“We wanted to do something that would allow them to all be involved at the same time. We adore the Royal Family and admire the Queen’s faith.”
