As the Prince and Princess of Wales step back from public engagements to enjoy family time during their children’s school break, they didn’t miss the chance to honor an important date close to many hearts: National Pet Day.
On April 11, the royal couple shared a never-before-seen photo of their family dog, Orla, on their official social media accounts, celebrating the joy and companionship pets bring into our lives.
A Royal Tribute to Four-Legged Friends
In the photo, Orla, a black cocker spaniel, is seen gazing into the distance while sitting on a grassy patch surrounded by trees, with the caption:
Though Prince William and Princess Catherine are often careful about what they share from their private life, Orla has made a few public appearances over the years, endearing herself to royal watchers. The post marks one of the clearest glimpses yet into the everyday joy the Wales family shares with their beloved pet.
Who Is Orla?
Orla joined the family in 2020, reportedly a gift from Kate’s younger brother, James Middleton, an avid dog lover and entrepreneur known for his work promoting canine wellbeing, as well as being the founder of James & Ella, which is a pet food company.
The cocker spaniel was adopted following the death of the family’s previous dog, Lupo, another cocker spaniel who had been a staple in royal family life and even appeared in official portraits.
Orla’s name, which means “golden princess” in Celtic, reflects both a touch of royal charm and personal significance to the family. She’s been spotted attending events such as the Platinum Jubilee with Princess Charlotte and the rest of the family, always by their side but largely out of the limelight.
The Power of Pets—Even in Palaces
The royal family are no stranger to pets, with Queen Elizabeth’s infamous love for her furry companions. At the time of her death she had two corgi’s, one dachshund-corgi mix and one cocker spaniel. According to Today, the Queen got her first corgi, named Susan, on her 18th birthday and every corgi she had after that was a descendent of her first dog.
According to Vanity Fair, royalty have a long history of adoration of cats and dogs. One such companionship was King Henry III of France who carried his bichons and spaniels with him everywhere he went.
National Pet Day is a Valuable Reminder
The royal couple’s post is a timely reminder of the powerful bond between humans and animals, something families around the globe can relate to. Whether a palace pup or a rescue cat curled up on the couch, pets are treasured companions that bring comfort, joy, and routine into daily life.
National Pet Day, celebrated internationally on April 11, is a time to recognize the positive impact pets have on mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as to encourage adoption and responsible animal care. The Prince and Princess’s public nod to Orla is a simple but powerful gesture—bringing attention not just to their own family life, but to the universal value of pets everywhere. As the royal children enjoy their break from school and the family keeps a low profile, its heartwarming to know that Orla, tail likely wagging, is enjoying the time right alongside them.
