Prince William Marks His Birthday with a Cute Puppy Photo Captured by Kate
Princess Kate Middleton celebrated her husband Prince William’s 43rd birthday by unveiling a new portrait that also introduced some charming (and furry) family members.
“Happy birthday,” Kate, 43, shared in her Saturday, June 21, Instagram caption. “Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies! 🐾.”
The message was signed by the Princess of Wales and their three children — Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 — alongside their Cocker Spaniel, Orla, who welcomed three puppies earlier this year.
Kate, an enthusiastic amateur photographer, took a picture of William casually dressed in denim jeans and an olive button-down, sitting on the grass with the four dogs. He tenderly petted one of the puppies as Orla and the other two frolicked around him.
William and Kate, married since 2011, have long embraced the role of puppy parents. They first welcomed Lupo into their family in 2012, cherishing him until his passing in November 2020.
“With great sadness, last weekend our cherished dog, Lupo, passed away,” William and Kate shared on Instagram in November 2020. “He was at the heart of our family for the past nine years, and we will miss him dearly.”
Lupo was given to the couple by Kate’s younger brother, James Middleton.
“No one can truly prepare for the loss of a dog. For those who have never experienced it, it might be hard to grasp such a loss,” James reflected in his own Instagram tribute after Lupo’s passing. “For those who have loved a dog, however, it is clear: a dog is not merely a pet; it is part of the family, a best friend, a loyal companion, a teacher, and a therapist.”
He continued, “There isn’t a concrete guide on how to grieve a dog, but I have said a prayer, lit a candle, and taken Ella (Mum) on a long walk to reminisce about Lupo. Rest in peace, Lupo. Tilly and Mini will be waiting for you. Your memory will live on forever. Good Boy.”
James, now 38, gifted William and Kate with Orla the following year. Orla has even joined the couple at official events, such as a 2022 polo match, where they fondly discussed their fur-ever bond.
“[William] mentioned that his little dog sleeps on the bed with them at night, alongside him and Kate,” a royal fan relayed to Hits Radio Cornwall in October 2024 after meeting William during a local outing.
It was reported last month that Orla had given birth to a litter of puppies, which the whole family was said to be “very excited” about.
