"More like they told me he was my responsibility from now on and handed me the leash," he says, without a hint of any actual annoyance. Much as it was a surprise to suddenly have another pet, he kind of likes the little creature. He can't imagine what might have happened to it otherwise after it outlived its purpose as a prop at the crowning.

"But I've liked having him around so far, even if he needs to learn manners."