When it comes to the private life of Prince William and Kate Middleton, it’s evident that family is their priority. The devoted royals lead a comfortable life with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
However, their children aren’t the only ones who command the attention of William and Kate. Another significant family member has also secured a special place in their hearts – and their bed!
This unexpected revelation came to light on Thursday, October 17, when Prince William was interacting with a fan’s dog during his visit to Duchy College, reports the Mirror. In the course of the conversation, William disclosed that their cherished pet Orla, a cocker spaniel, often shares the bed with him and his wife, much to the astonishment of the fans present.
According to Hello!, Louise Harland, who was there with her dog Jacks, told Hits Radio Cornwall: “[William] said that his little dog sleeps on the bed with them at night, with him and Kate.”
“[He was] absolutely in love with my little dog. He asked what breed he was and he’s never met one of those breeds, he’s a Cockerjack, so he’s a little bit of a unique combination,” Louise further added.
She also revealed that William had remarked on how “soft” her pet’s ears are and “gave him lots of loving.”
The Royal dog Orla has been part of the family since 2020, after James Middleton’s pet Luna had a litter of six pups, leading to William and Kate taking one home. The regal hound only made her public debut in 2022, showing up alongside Princess Charlotte in an official snap for her birthday.
Orla carries with her own noble link her name meaning “golden princess” in Celtic, reflecting the Duke and Duchess’s status as Prince and Princess of Wales.
Before Orla’s arrival, the royals treasured their cocker spaniel Lupo, who passed away in November 2020, deeply affecting the family. They honoured his memory with a poignant message on their social media, sharing: “He has been at the heart of our family for the past nine years and we will miss him so much.”
Though she’s become a beloved member of the clan, Orla has seldom been seen in public since joining the Royal fold, except for a rare appearance last Summer during the Royal Charity Polo Cup with William and Kate.
Alongside their beloved dog, the Royal family has taken a guinea pig into their fold. Prince William disclosed at Woodgate Valley Urban Farm earlier this year that his children occasionally shirked their pet-cleaning duties.
“Prince William said he was so happy stroking Snowflake the guinea pig at Woodgate Valley Urban Farm … that he didn’t want to leave,” shared Victoria Ward from The Telegraph. “He revealed that his kids always forget to clean out their own guinea pig, leaving him to do it.”