Kate, Princess of Wales, had a heartwarming announcement during her recent visit to Wales: the family has added a new member to their household—a cuddly eight-month-old Cocker Spaniel.
The little pup has joined Orla, their five-year-old family dog, providing both companionship and plenty of puppy energy to the royal household.
During a stop at Hiut Denim in Cardigan on Tuesday, Kate lit up as she met an English cocker spaniel named Barney.
It was in that joyful moment that she revealed to the staff that the Wales family has welcomed a dog of the same breed.
“We have the same breed of dog,” Kate said, adding with a smile, “So we’ve got a little puppy, he’s only eight months, and Orla’s five.”
Orla’s Growing Family
Orla has been a cherished member of the Wales family since 2020, when she was gifted to Kate by her brother James Middleton, a well-known dog breeder.
That year also marked the passing of the family’s former dog, Lupo, leaving a gap that the playful Cocker Spaniel was destined to fill.
According to a friend at the time, the family was “besotted” with Orla and hoped a younger dog would bring fresh energy and companionship into their lives.
Interestingly, Orla herself gave birth to quadruplets in May, hinting that the new puppy could even be part of her extended family.
Over the years, Orla has become particularly close to Kate and William’s children—Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six—and has been featured in birthday portraits and social media posts, including National Pet Day celebrations.
James Middleton’s Passion for Pups
Kate’s brother James has long been a dog enthusiast.
He currently owns six dogs, supports several dog-related charities, runs a dog food brand, and authored a book titled Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life.
Orla herself was a puppy of James’s dog, Ella, cementing the family’s love for the breed and its deep connection to Middleton family traditions.
Orla’s presence is more than just companionship; she has starred in family celebrations, including Mother’s Day videos and candid photos showing her playful interactions with Prince William and the children.
A Royal Spotlight on Welsh Craftsmanship
Aside from sharing happy dog news, Kate continued her mission to celebrate British craftsmanship.
On the same day, she visited Melin Tregwynt, a historic woolen mill on the Pembrokeshire coast that has been producing traditional Welsh textiles since at least 1841.
Today, the mill employs over 40 local staff and preserves centuries-old weaving techniques, including the intricate double-cloth method that creates thick, reversible blankets with inverted patterns.
Kate paid tribute to the mill by wearing a coat crafted from their bold geometric tapestry wool, complemented by a bottle-green Victoria Beckham roll-neck sweater and high-waisted trousers.
She kept accessories minimal with gold hoop earrings from Spells of Love but elevated her look with a smoky eye and suede heels by Emmy London.
Unlike her casual plaited style during a recent mindfulness walk, Kate opted for a more glamorous half-up hairstyle to match the occasion.
Preserving Traditions and Inspiring the Next Generation
During her visit, Kate met with Melin Tregwynt’s director, Louise Clarke, who guided her through the full production process, from the weaving machines to the finished products.
Kate also met several young weavers learning the craft, highlighting the importance of passing on Welsh textile traditions to future generations.
Her visit reinforced the royal family’s ongoing commitment to promoting local industries and celebrating the skill and creativity of communities across the UK.
