Prince William recently revealed that he and Kate Middleton share their bed with “their little dog Orla.”
He made this charming disclosure during a visit to Duchy College Stoke Climsland in Callington, Cornwall, where he engaged with students and their pets. During his visit, William explored various courses offered at the college, including degrees in equine science, agriculture, and horticulture.
At Duchy College, William appeared particularly fond of a black-and-white cockerjack belonging to Louise Harland, who was petting the dog and remarked on its soft ears. The playful dog jumped up at the prince as he introduced himself to its handler, and he was seen showering affection on several dogs around the campus.
Harland later noted how William was “in love” with her dog, saying he “gave him lots of loving” while interacting with the friendly pup. William shared that his own dog, Orla, is a cuddle enthusiast who sleeps in bed with him and Kate. He commented, “My dog is exactly like this. .. loves cuddles.”
Orla, a spaniel, joined the royal family in the summer of 2020, gifted to the couple by Kate’s brother, James Middleton. She holds a special place in their hearts, especially following the passing of their first black spaniel, Lupo, in November 2020.
Lupo had been with the family since 2012, just a year after William and Kate’s royal wedding. Both dogs have names with significant meanings: ‘Orla’ is a Celtic name meaning “golden princess,” while ‘Lupo’ translates to “wolf” in Italian.
Holly Rushton, the college’s animal management programme manager, explained, “She [River] comes in and helps the students with their dog training and things like grooming,” adding that “the students find it great working with the dogs.”