Prince William and Princess Kate's family has quietly grown - with four new paws apiece. The royal couple's cocker spaniel, Orla, has given birth to four puppies, sources confirmed to The Sun, and their three children are reportedly smitten with the new additions.
"Mother and babies are doing well," a source told the outlet, though Buckingham Palace has yet to issue an official statement.
The young pups, all black cocker spaniels like their mother, were reportedly born recently at the family's residence. While no names have been announced and the father's identity remains unknown, the Prince and Princess of Wales are said to be considering keeping the entire litter.
"Everyone loves a new royal baby news and so new royal puppies run very close," the insider said. "Everyone is very excited, not least the three children, who adore Orla, and Lupo before."
Orla became part of the royal household in 2020, gifted to the family by Kate's brother, James Middleton, after his dog Luna gave birth to a litter. The family named their new companion Orla - a Celtic name meaning "golden princess" - and publicly introduced her in Princess Charlotte's 7th birthday portraits.
Her first public outing came months later at a Royal Charity Polo Cup match in July 2022. Since then, she has made limited but cherished appearances, including a recent photo posted on April 11 in celebration of National Pet Day. "Celebrating the animals who bring so much joy, companionship and love to our lives," the Prince and Princess wrote on Instagram, alongside an image of Orla outdoors.
Orla succeeded the couple's first dog, Lupo, another black cocker spaniel also gifted by James Middleton, who passed away in November 2020.
James Middleton, who has spoken openly about his mental health challenges, has said dogs like Ella - Orla's relative - "saved [his] life" during periods of depression by providing "purpose and reassurance."
Royal dogs have long held significance within the monarchy. The late Queen Elizabeth II was famous for her devotion to corgis, owning more than 30 during her reign. Queen Camilla recently shared a new photo of her rescue puppy Moley, and King Charles was said to have adopted his first dog in two decades earlier this year - an Italian truffle hound named Snuff.
