Kate Middleton’s video released on the U.K.’s Mothering Sunday over the weekend was a break from tradition—and left royal fans with a pertinent question: did the Wales family of five get a new dog?
Instead of releasing a photo of herself with kids Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—as is the norm for the Princess of Wales on Mother’s Day—following her photo controversy last year, Kate decided to go a different route on March 30. She released a video instead, highlighting nature—think blooming flowers, ocean waves, and tree trunks—and featuring not just one but two dogs appearing in a part of the video.
“Over the past year, nature has been our sanctuary,” Kate wrote in a caption accompanying the video. “This Mother’s Day, let us celebrate Mother Nature and recognize how our bond with the natural world can help not only nurture our inner selves, but remind us too of the role we play within the rich tapestry of life.” She signed the message “C” for Catherine, signifying it was from the Princess of Wales personally.
It’s widely known that Kate, husband Prince William, and their kids have a black cocker spaniel named Orla, but in the video, a man (likely William) walks barefoot as two dogs follow close behind. The question must be asked—does the Wales family have a new addition?
The brown dog has left tongues wagging, but, per People, there’s no official statement from the palace about the pup. It could be a new addition, or it could be that the other dog belongs to another member of the family, like Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, who Hello! reported were present when the video was shot.
Kate Middleton, Prince William, and Orla on July 6, 2022.
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The mystery dog could also be one of Kate’s brother James Middleton’s many dogs. People reported that the brown dog also resembles Nala, a cocker spaniel that is one of six dogs James has as part of his family. In fact, Orla—the Prince and Princess of Wales’ dog—was bred by James, and the couple welcomed Orla into the family just before losing their cocker spaniel Lupo in 2020.
“They were devastated when Lupo passed away,” a friend told The Mail on Sunday at the time. “It was hoped that a younger dog would give Lupo some company and give him a little more life and energy.”
Since welcoming Orla, the family has been “besotted,” the friend added, and the pup has starred in several portraits alongside members of the Wales family, including Charlotte’s birthday portraits in both 2022 and 2023. Orla—which means “golden princess”—was also featured in Kate’s moving video last September announcing that she had completed chemotherapy.
Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess Kate, and Princess Charlotte attend the 2024 Christmas Morning Service at St. Mary Magdalene Church.
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Prince William and Kate Middleton on March 15, 2025.
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The Daily Mail seems to have solved the mystery though, reporting that the brown dog is, in fact, one of the many in James’ brood. That just means more room in William and Kate’s bed for Orla—after all, William previously shared that is where the family dog sleeps, spilling the tidbit while in Cornwall last October.