Speculation about a new Wales family puppy first surfaced last May, after reports emerged that Orla—the couple’s black cocker spaniel gifted by Catherine’s younger brother James in 2020—had welcomed a litter of four puppies.
In June, Kensington Palace appeared to subtly acknowledge the news while celebrating Prince William’s 43rd birthday on June 21. A candid photo showed William sitting on the grass with three puppies climbing across his lap, accompanied by the message: “Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!”
Orla’s Place in the Wales Family
Orla, whose name means “golden princess” in Celtic, has become a familiar figure in both private and public family moments. She has appeared in Princess Charlotte’s seventh birthday portrait, at a polo match in 2022, and in a video shared by Catherine in 2024 during her cancer treatment.
She was also seen alongside Prince William in his recent interview with comedian Eugene Levy for the Apple TV travel series The Reluctant Traveller.
During that interview, William spoke about Orla’s connection to the couple’s first dog, Lupo.
“So [Orla’s] actually the niece of our other dog, Lupo, who sadly we lost in lockdown,” William said.