Participants of the event gathered in Bastion Hill Park, to the left of the Freedom Monument. There, a ceremonial count of the corgis and a group photo session took place, after which the four-legged procession set off through the capital's center. The route ran from the Bastion Hill past the Freedom Monument, through the Esplanade, and concluded in Kronvalds Park with a royal British tea picnic.  _Photo: LETA._ The walk featured Welsh Pembroke and Cardigan corgis along with their owners from Latvia and neighboring countries. Many owners prepared festive, British, and "royal" outfits for their pets. This year, the organizers hoped to surpass last year's record, when 198 corgis participated in the walk. The exact final number of participants has not yet been announced. Additionally, for the first time, a king and queen of the "Royal Walk" were chosen. The event is dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth II, whose special love for corgis is well known around the world. Dogs of this breed have lived at the British royal court for decades and have become one of the unofficial symbols of the monarchy. The organizers emphasize that the walk aims not only to preserve the memory of the queen but also to draw attention to responsible pet ownership and the welfare of dogs. Today, it has already become a good Riga tradition, uniting corgi owners and enthusiasts annually.
