Princess Kate and Prince William have shared a touching tribute to their beloved family dog on social media.
The royal couple's team posted a charming photograph of their cocker spaniel, Orla, to mark National Pet Day.
Alongside the image, they included a heartfelt message: "Celebrating the animals who bring so much joy, companionship and love to our lives this #NationalPetDay."
The post highlights the special place Orla holds within the Wales family.
Princess Kate and Prince William honour special family member in fresh tribute
Getty
Royal watchers were delighted to see the canine member of the family receiving recognition on the special day dedicated to pets.
Orla has a special connection to the Princess of Wales's family, having been gifted to the royal couple by Kate's brother.
As GB News' Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker noted: "Orla is The Prince and Princess of Wales' cocker spaniel - who was given to the family by Catherine's brother, James Middleton, who bred her from his own dog, Luna."
James Middleton is known to be a dog enthusiast and breeder of Cocker Spaniels.
Celebrating the animals who bring so much joy, companionship and love to our lives this #NationalPetDay 🐾🐕🦺 pic.twitter.com/LTgP8663II
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) April 11, 2025
The gift of Orla demonstrates the close family ties between the Middletons and the Wales family.
The cocker spaniel has clearly become an important part of their household since joining them.
The tribute comes after royal fans spotted what appeared to be a new addition to the Wales family last month.
In a Mother's Day video shared by the couple, Prince William was seen walking barefoot through a field accompanied by two dogs.
The dog, named Orla, featured in the Princess of Wales's video message confirming she had finished chemotherapy last month.Will WarrThe video was shared alongside a statement from Kate celebrating "our bond with the natural world."
While Orla was clearly visible, a brown Cocker Spaniel was also present, prompting speculation about a new family pet.
"Guys, Orla has a new brother or sister," wrote one excited fan on social media.
Another added: "Princess Catherine has a new puppy." A third royal watcher enquired: "Does anyone know Princess Catherine's new dog's name?"
Princess Charlotte posing with her dog Orla, who joined the family in 2021Millie PilkingtonHowever, the mystery was quickly solved for royal watchers.
The brown Cocker Spaniel seen in the video is actually Nala, who belongs to Kate's brother James Middleton. Nala was simply visiting rather than being a new permanent addition to the Wales household.
The Wales family welcomed Orla into their home in 2020 when she was eight months old. She was bred by James Middleton, who gifted the black Cocker Spaniel to his sister's family.
Orla has since become a beloved member of the Wales family, clearly cherished enough to receive her own National Pet Day tribute.
