In a royal treat for animal lovers everywhere, Prince William and Kate Middleton have given the world a glimpse of one of the Palace’s most elusive residents — their beloved cocker spaniel, Orla.
To mark National Pet Day, the Prince and Princess of Wales took to their official social media accounts to post a never-before-seen snap of their furry family member, writing:
“Celebrating the animals who bring us so much joy, companionship and love to our lives this National Pet Day.”
Orla, a gift from Kate’s brother James Middleton, has been part of the Cambridge household since 2020 and is rarely seen in public. But while the royal pup prefers the quiet life away from the limelight, she’s no stranger to a camera lens. She appeared briefly in a heartfelt video shared by Kate last September, marking the end of her chemotherapy treatment, and also made an appearance in Princess Charlotte’s 7th birthday portraits.
According to insiders — and an accidental royal overshare — Orla is more than just a pet. During a visit to Duchy College in Cornwall, William was spotted bonding with a local’s dog and confessed that Orla often snuggles up in bed with him and Kate. "He was absolutely in love with my little dog,” said Louise Harland, who added that William “said his little dog sleeps on the bed with them at night.”
This isn't the first time the royal family has opened up about their canine companions. Orla follows in the pawprints of Lupo, the family’s first cocker spaniel who passed away in 2020. Meanwhile, Duchess Sarah Ferguson marked Pet Day by showing off her royal pack — seven dogs, including corgis once owned by the late Queen.
Queen Camilla also joined the pet parade, celebrating her rescue dog Moley, who she affectionately described as “a bit of everything” — the product of a mystery Jack Russell mix. Moley, adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, has become a cherished royal companion since the passing of Camilla’s previous dog, Beth.
Even across the Atlantic, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are known to be passionate dog parents, though the Duchess recently revealed the sad news of a loss in their animal family.
In a monarchy often defined by tradition, it's refreshing to see the softer, furrier side of royal life — where bedtime cuddles, tail wags, and treat time are just as important as tiaras and titles.
Because at the end of the day, whether you're in a castle or a cottage, there’s nothing quite like the unconditional love of a dog.