Orla joined the family in 2020

Prince William and Kate Middleton have a new reason to smile following a challenging year, as their dog Orla recently welcomed a litter of puppies.

Last weekend, royal fans were delighted by a photo of Prince William surrounded by three adorable puppies.

The image, released to mark his 43rd birthday on June 21, was captioned: “Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!”

The message was of course from his wife Kate, their three children George, Charlotte, Louis and their Spaniel Orla and her pups.

Orla joined the family in 2020 after being gifted to them by Kate’s brother, James Middleton.

Now, she’s become a mother herself. According to The Sun, she gave birth to four puppies in total, with reports suggesting the Wales family plan to keep one of the litter.

What breed of dog is Orla?

Orla is an English Cocker Spaniel, a breed reportedly known for its friendly demeanour, affectionate personality and endless energy.

The family’s love for the breed goes back years. Before Orla, William and Kate owned another Cocker Spaniel named Lupo, which was given to them shortly after their 2011 wedding.

Lupo sadly died in late 2020.
Will the Wales family keep a pup? (Credit: Cover Images)

Prince William and Kate Middleton welcome puppies after ‘tough time’

Royal commentator Rebecca English noted in the Daily Mail that Orla’s puppies were not just a happy surprise. They were also a welcome distraction during a particularly tough period for the family.

English wrote: “We should not forget, of course, that Catherine’s young brood, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Prince Louis, have also endured a tough time. As parents, there is only so much we can keep from our children, especially when it comes to illness.

They are planning to keep one of the pups.

“It’s one of the reasons, I am told, that she and Prince William decided to breed from their adored spaniel, Orla. Not only has it been something fun for the children to look forward to. But I am told they are planning to keep one of the pups.”

Royal Insider has contacted reps for the Prince and Princess of Wales for comment.

This comes after a year of public concern. Last year, the Princess of Wales announced that she was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Earlier this year, Kate shared with the public that she is now in remission.
William and Kate’s dog Orla recently welcomed a litter of puppies (Credit: Cover Images)

Orla’s sweet moments with William, Kate and their children

Over the years, Orla has made a few public appearances of her own.

She appeared in an official portrait celebrating Princess Charlotte’s seventh birthday, pictured being cuddled lovingly by the young royal.

She also made a splash (literally) on National Pet Day this year. The family shared a photo of the soaked spaniel, captioned: “Celebrating the animals who bring so much joy, companionship and love to our lives.”

The Wales family aren’t the only royals with a soft spot for animals.

The late Queen Elizabeth II famously adored her Corgis. She owned more than 30 during her lifetime.

After her death in 2022, her remaining dogs, Sandy and Muick, were taken in by her son Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are also devoted dog lovers. Camilla adopted an adorable rescue dog named Moley earlier this year.