During her recent visit to a preschool in Reggio Emilia, Italy, Princess Kate fondly recalled her late cocker spaniel, Lupo, sparking a moment of warmth and nostalgia. The occasion took place on May 13, 2026, at the Scuola Comunale d’infanzia Anna Frank, where the Princess engaged with young students and demonstrated her commitment to early childhood education.
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The name Lupo, which translates to “wolf” in Italian, arose during a discussion led by the children, catching the Princess’s attention. Princess Kate, 44, smiled as she shared a personal memory with the group. “Our dog was called Lupo. We had a dog that was called Lupo,” she recalled while placing her hand on her heart. When asked if she was aware of the meaning behind the name, she nodded but quickly noted that Lupo was not the fierce creature his name suggested. “He had a big personality,” she added with a laugh, indicating the affectionate nature of her late pet.
Lupo has a significant place in the history of the royal family, being the first dog that Princess Kate and Prince William shared as a couple. The couple announced his passing in November 2020, expressing their deep sorrow in an emotional tribute. “Very sadly, last weekend our dear dog, Lupo, passed away. He has been at the heart of our family for the past nine years and we will miss him so much,” they wrote, underscoring the bond Lupo shared with them and their children during his lifetime.
Gifted by Princess Kate’s brother, James Middleton, Lupo was presented to the couple as a belated wedding gift in 2011. He was featured in several family portraits, including those commemorating key milestones like Prince George’s third birthday. Following Lupo’s death, the Middleton family expanded their canine contingent with another black cocker spaniel named Orla, also from James, ensuring that the joy of pet ownership continued in their lives.
Orla, who carries the name meaning “golden princess” in Celtic, has become a beloved family member in her own right. She has been included in photographs celebrating Princess Charlotte’s birthdays and even accompanied Kate to events such as a polo match in 2022. More recently, she was present during Princess Kate’s video announcement regarding her successful chemotherapy treatment in September 2024.
The royal couple’s love for dogs has only grown. They are also the proud parents of Otto, a brown cocker spaniel born in 2025. In February, Princess Kate shared that they had chosen to keep one male puppy from a litter, further solidifying the dogs’ integral role within the family. Both Orla and Otto made appearances during the family’s recent 15th wedding anniversary portrait, showcasing their importance not just as pets but as part of the family unit.
While attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace on May 8, Princess Kate discussed life at home with Otto, delighting attendees with anecdotes about his antics. “You have to keep them busy. The first thing we do in the morning is check, ‘Has anyone taken Otto out?'” she shared, showcasing her commitment to their dogs amidst her royal duties.
Princess Kate’s visit to Italy is notably her first international trip since her cancer diagnosis, which was revealed in March 2024, and her subsequent remission announced in January 2025. As she explores the Reggio Emilia Approach to early childhood education, this trip marks a positive milestone in her recovery journey. An aide highlighted the significance of the visit, stating, “This is an important step in the Princess’ recovery journey. She takes great joy from this work,” and reflected on her enduring commitment to championing early childhood development for years to come.
The Princess’s interaction with the children and her heartfelt reminiscence of Lupo reflect not only her personal connections but also her dedication to the importance of nurturing young minds. As she continues to advocate for early childhood education, her experiences as a mother and a pet owner undoubtedly enrich her perspective, allowing her to connect with families on a deeper level.