In a charming display of family life, Prince William has shared some light-hearted anecdotes about the playful behaviour of his family’s cocker spaniels, Orla and Otto. His comments were made during a visit to Nansledan, a suburb of Newquay in Cornwall, on May 21, 2026. The Prince, who was out meeting the public, couldn’t resist engaging with a local cocker spaniel named Professor Lupin, highlighting his fondness for the breed.
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As seen in a video clip posted by Hello! magazine, William, visibly delighted by the encounter, expressed his affection for dogs, saying, “Hello, you’re very sweet! I love dogs. Ours are Orla and Otto. Very similar to yours.” His attention quickly turned to the behavioural quirks of his own pets, spurring a jovial conversation with the dog’s owners about their habits. He quipped, “Ours chew slippers. Anything left on the floor is gone,” demonstrating that even royal households are not immune to the antics of mischievous dogs.
The couple’s connection to cocker spaniels runs deep, as they have received several dogs from Kate Middleton’s brother, James Middleton, who is a dog breeder. Orla joined the royal household in 2020, while Otto, her son, was born in a litter in 2025. The announcement of Otto’s arrival came with a heartfelt birthday tribute shared on social media, marking his first birthday on May 1, when they wrote, “Welcome to the family, Otto! 1 today đ„ł đ” alongside a photograph taken by Princess Kate.
Prince William and Kate Middleton are proud parents to three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8. Their beloved dogs have become an integral part of family life, featuring in various family moments, including a heartwarming video released for Princess Charlotte’s birthday on May 2. The clip showcased her interaction with both dogs, where she was seen petting them and enjoying a playful moment aboard a boat.
Charlotte appears to have developed a particularly close relationship with Orla, who has also been included in her birthday portraits during previous years. The young royal’s bond with the dogs seems to contribute to the warm and nurturing environment of their household, as they often play together, further emphasising the joys of family life within the royal framework.
In an amusing reveal about Otto’s behaviour, Kate Middleton shared her experience during a recent garden party at Buckingham Palace on May 8. She remarked on the challenges of keeping the rambunctious pup entertained, stating, “You have to keep them busy.” The playful nature of Otto was underscored as she joked about a recent episode where he had chewed on various household items, summarising the familyâs morning ritual: “The first thing we do in the morning is check, ‘Has anyone taken Otto out?'”
The light-hearted stories shared by both William and Kate depict the relatable challenges of pet ownership, reflecting a more personal side to their lives as Prince and Princess of Wales. It offers a glimpse into their daily routines, illustrating that, like many families, they navigate the delightful chaos that comes with having energetic dogs.
As the royal family continues to adapt to their roles in the public eye, these insights into their home life demonstrate how they balance duty with family moments filled with laughter and love. The presence of Orla and Otto not only enriches their family dynamic but also serves to connect them closer with the public, who often find joy in these shared experiences of pet ownership.
The adventures of the royal dogs have not only captured the hearts of their owners but also resonate with dog lovers everywhere, reminding us all of the unconditional affection and light-hearted mischief that pets can bring into our lives.