Prince William and Kate Middleton Introduce New Puppy Otto in 15th Anniversary Photo

Key facts

• Prince William and Kate Middleton introduced their new puppy, Otto, on May 1, 2025, his first birthday.
• Otto is the son of Orla, the family's black cocker spaniel, and was kept from her 2025 litter.
• Otto first appeared in a family photo released on April 29, 2025, to mark William and Kate's 15th wedding anniversary.
• The anniversary photo shows William, Kate, their three children—Prince George (12), Princess Charlotte (10), and Prince Louis (8)—with Orla and Otto.
• The couple's first dog, Lupo, also a black cocker spaniel, was a wedding gift from Kate's brother James Middleton.
• Orla, Lupo's niece, joined the family in 2020 shortly before Lupo's death.
• Princess Charlotte's 11th birthday video, released on May 2, 2025, features her playing with Orla and Otto.
• Kate Middleton, an amateur photographer, took the birthday photo of Otto.

A New Arrival in the Royal Household

Prince William and Kate Middleton have officially introduced the newest member of their family: a black English cocker spaniel puppy named Otto. The couple shared the news on May 1, 2025, which marked Otto's first birthday, posting a photograph on social media with the caption, "Welcome to the family, Otto! Today 1," accompanied by birthday emojis. The image, taken by Kate, who describes herself as an "enthusiastic amateur photographer," shows Otto in a regal pose. The puppy is the son of Orla, the family's cocker spaniel who has been with them since 2020. Kate confirmed in February that the family had kept one male puppy from Orla's 2025 litter.

First Public Appearance in Anniversary Portrait

Otto made his first public appearance in a family portrait released on April 29, 2025, to celebrate William and Kate's 15th wedding anniversary. The photograph, taken by Kate, shows the couple lying on the grass with their three children—Prince George, 12; Princess Charlotte, 10; and Prince Louis, 8—while Orla and Otto snuggle close to William. The image offered a rare, candid glimpse into the family's life, with both dogs comfortably nestled among them. The anniversary portrait was widely shared, marking a milestone for the couple who married at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011.

A History of Canine Companions

William and Kate's first dog, Lupo, also a black cocker spaniel, was a "late wedding gift" from Kate's brother, James Middleton, following their 2011 nuptials. Lupo was a beloved member of the family until his death in 2020. Orla, whose mother is one of James's dogs, was brought into the family shortly before Lupo's passing. Orla has since become a fixture in royal life, accompanying Kate to support William at a charity polo match and appearing in several of Princess Charlotte's birthday portraits. She also featured in a home video Kate released in September 2024, documenting her cancer journey, where the princess spoke about gratitude for "simple but important things in life."

Princess Charlotte's Birthday Video Highlights Family Bond

On May 2, 2025, to mark Princess Charlotte's 11th birthday, William and Kate released a new photo and video offering an intimate look at their daughter's life. The photo, taken by photographer Matt Porteous during an Easter holiday in Cornwall, shows Charlotte standing in a flower meadow, wearing a striped jumper and blue jeans. The accompanying video features Charlotte playing cricket on the beach, running barefoot in the sand, making patterns with seashells, and spending time with Orla and Otto. In one heartwarming moment, Charlotte is seen stroking and cuddling one of the dogs. Kensington Palace posted the video with the message, "Thank you for the lovely birthday wishes for Princess Charlotte. She turns 11 today!"

Royal Pets Through the Generations

The British royal family has a long tradition of pet ownership. Queen Elizabeth II was renowned for her love of corgis, owning more than 30 of the breed during her 70-year reign. William and Kate's household also includes guinea pigs, whose cages the children often forget to clean—a task that falls to William, according to reports. William has spoken openly about the family's dogs. In an episode of "The Reluctant Traveler" with Eugene Levy, he introduced Orla, revealing that she is Lupo's niece, whom they lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. The dogs have become a central part of the family's public and private life, featuring in official portraits and personal moments alike.

A Glimpse into the Future

The introduction of Otto and the release of Charlotte's birthday video signal a continued emphasis on family and normalcy for the Waleses. As the children grow—George is now 12, Charlotte 11, and Louis 8—the family's public appearances are carefully curated, offering glimpses of their lives while maintaining privacy. With Otto now part of the household, the family's canine contingent has grown to two, joining Orla and the guinea pigs. The dogs have become symbols of continuity and warmth, bridging the gap between royal tradition and modern family life.

The bottom line

• Prince William and Kate Middleton introduced their new puppy Otto on his first birthday, May 1, 2025, via social media.
• Otto first appeared in a family photo released for the couple's 15th wedding anniversary on April 29, 2025.
• Otto is the son of Orla, the family's black cocker spaniel, and was kept from her 2025 litter.
• Princess Charlotte's 11th birthday video on May 2, 2025, showed her playing with Orla and Otto.
• The Wales family has a history of cocker spaniels, starting with Lupo, a wedding gift from Kate's brother.
• The royal family's pet tradition includes Queen Elizabeth II's corgis and the Waleses' guinea pigs.