It's been a tough few weeks for the royal dog: in late November, Lupo, the Cambridges' English cocker spaniel, passed away, and the royal couple confirmed the news in a sad Instagram post (opens in new tab).

"Very sadly, our beloved dog Lupo passed away last weekend. He has been the center of our family for the past 9 years and we miss him so much," Will and Kate wrote on social media, signing it simply "W & C."

Several royal correspondents are now reporting that the queen's dog Vulcan, a dachshund and corgi mix, also died in captivity.

Buckingham Palace has yet to comment publicly on the dog's death, but according to Rebecca English of the Daily Mail, "The Queen is mourning the loss of one of her last two remaining dogs, just weeks before Christmas. Her faithful companion Vulcan, a dachshund/corgi cross, died a few weeks ago in Windsor." English also said on Twitter that Vulcan's death left the British monarch with "only one remaining dog, Candy, who is also a dorgui."

The Queen and Prince Philip are currently keeping their social distance at Windsor Castle and will remain there throughout the holiday season, breaking a decades-long royal tradition of traveling to Sandringham to celebrate Christmas.

"After considering all appropriate advice, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have decided to spend Christmas quietly in Windsor this year," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told T&C.

Fortunately, Christmas decorations have just begun at the royal palace (opens in new tab) and will hopefully brighten the mood during this difficult time.