Kate Middleton and Prince William have reportedly been preparing for a new furry addition to their family, after the couple’s spaniel, Orla, gave birth to a litter of puppies
Matthew Davies Community Content Curator, Katy Hallam and Matt Davies
17:22, 24 Jun 2025
The Prince and Princess of Wales(Image: Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire)
Royal commentator Rebecca English has suggested that Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, are gearing up to welcome a charming new addition to their family, following Kate’s unexplained absence from Royal Ascot last week.
She pointed out that just last year, Kate was undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer, having had major abdominal surgery in January.
In January this year, Kate announced to the public that she is now in remission, sharing her “relief” on social media and her plans to concentrate on recovery while looking forward to a “fulfilling year.”
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Rebecca also underscored the impact of Kate’s health battles on her and William’s children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. However, it seems there’s reason for cheer in the household as they anticipate the arrival of a new four-legged friend.
In her article for the Mail, Rebecca penned: “We should not forget, of course, that Catherine’s young brood – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, ten, and seven-year-old Prince Louis – have also endured a tough time.”, reports the Mirror.
“As parents, there is always only so much we can keep from our children, particularly when it comes to physical illness. It’s one of the reasons, I am told, that she and Prince William have 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.”
William celebrated his 43rd birthday over the weekend, and the Kensington Royal account captured the festivities with a charming photo of the Prince, unwinding with Orla and her brood of cute new puppies.
The Wales family’s black cocker spaniel Orla, who was a present from Kate’s brother, James Middleton, has recently given birth to four puppies.
The joyous birthday post was sweetly captioned: “Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!”.
In celebration of National Pet Day in April, the Wales family shared an image of a drenched Orla, marking the day with: “Celebrating the animals who bring so much joy, companionship and love to our lives this #NationalPetDay.”
Orla also featured in another photo celebrating Princess Charlotte’s seventh birthday, where she was seen embraced by the young princess in a snapshot taken during the bank holiday weekend in Norfolk.
The Duke’s late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, held a special place in her heart for animals, with particular affection for horses and her iconic corgis.
Her Platinum Jubilee in 2022 was enlivened with a delightful corgi parade consisting of more than 100 dogs across London.
Throughout her monumental seven-decade rule, the beloved Queen had numerous corgis, with Princess Diana humorously observing that she trekked with a “moving carpet” of them.