Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Love for Dogs
Kate Middleton and Prince William have always shared a deep affection for animals—a trait common throughout the Royal Family. Perhaps the most famous royal pets were the corgis adored by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The Prince and Princess of Wales became dog owners themselves in 2011 and have been devoted dog enthusiasts ever since. Following the heartbreaking death of their beloved dog Lupo in 2020, Kate Middleton’s brother, James Middleton, gifted the family a new dog, a cocker spaniel named Orla, for William, Kate, and their three children.
Like their residence, much about Orla’s day-to-day life remains private. Despite this, the adorable puppy has become a treasured member of the family. Recently, Prince William shared new details about Orla, revealing that she has a rather unusual sleeping habit.
Different Backgrounds, Shared Love for Dogs
Kate Middleton and Prince William come from very different upbringings. While Kate enjoyed a relatively normal and privileged childhood, William’s life was shaped by the pressures of being heir to the throne and the trauma of losing his mother, Princess Diana, at a young age.
Pets, particularly dogs, have long been an important part of the Royal Family. Prince William seems to have inherited this love from his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, who famously adored her corgis.
Lupo: The Beloved Family Dog
Before Orla, William and Kate’s cherished dog was Lupo, a loyal cocker spaniel who even played a role in naming their eldest son, Prince George. The couple struggled to decide on a name for their newborn and, in a charming twist, brought Lupo into the decision-making process.
They wrote down potential names on scraps of paper and laid them out on the floor, then allowed Lupo to choose. The dog approached the scrap with the name George, settling the matter instantly.
The couple shared their grief publicly after Lupo’s death in 2020:
“Our beloved dog, Lupo, sadly passed away. For the past nine years, he has been the center of our family, and we shall miss him terribly.”
An insider later told the Daily Mail, “When Lupo died, they were devastated.”
Orla: The New Family Member
Shortly after Lupo’s passing, the family welcomed a new cocker spaniel puppy, Orla, into their lives. Adopted from Kate’s brother, James Middleton, Orla has become a loyal companion to George, Charlotte, and Louis, sharing in their daily adventures and growing up alongside them.
James Middleton told OK! magazine:
“I’m really happy that they can enjoy and benefit from having a dog in their lives. I think they’re fortunate to have a dog as part of their family.”
Orla’s name is fitting for a royal pup—it means “golden princess” and is a common girl’s name in Ireland. She enjoys the best care at Adelaide Cottage, and, like a true family member, even sleeps in her owners’ bed.
Prince William and Orla’s Special Bond
Prince William has shown a genuine fondness for animals. During a visit to Duchy College Stoke Climsland in Callington, Cornwall, in mid-October, he interacted warmly with students and their dogs.
William revealed Orla’s bedtime habits during a conversation with Louise Harland, a dog owner whose pet had taken a liking to the future king. Harland told Hits Radio Cornwall:
“[He] had a deep affection for my small dog. He asked about the breed—it was a cockerjack, a combination he had never seen before. He also mentioned that Orla ‘loves cuddles’ and sleeps on the bed with him and Kate at night.”
This glimpse into the couple’s private life highlights the warmth and kindness with which Prince William engages with both animals and the public. Stories like these remind everyone that beyond royal duties, the future king and his family cherish simple, heartfelt moments—like sharing their home with a beloved pet.