Prince William and Kate Introduce Otto, Their New Cocker Spaniel, on His First Birthday

Key facts

• Otto is a one-year-old chocolate English cocker spaniel.
• He is one of four puppies born to Orla, the family's black cocker spaniel, in 2025.
• Otto's first public appearance was in a photo shared on April 29 for William and Kate's 15th wedding anniversary.
• The anniversary photo, taken by Matt Porteous in Cornwall, shows the family of five with Orla and Otto.
• Orla joined the household in 2020 after the death of Lupo, the couple's first dog, at age nine.
• Lupo was a wedding gift from Kate's brother, James Middleton, in 2011.
• Kate confirmed in February 2025 that they had kept one male puppy from Orla's litter.
• Otto and his siblings appeared in Prince William's 43rd birthday photo in June 2024.

A New Addition to the Royal Household

The Prince and Princess of Wales have introduced their newest family member: a chocolate English cocker spaniel named Otto, who celebrated his first birthday on May 1. Kensington Palace announced the name and birthday on X, sharing a photo of the puppy standing in a grassy meadow, wind blowing across his face, with the caption: “Welcome to the family, Otto! 1 today.” The puppy is one of four puppies born to the couple's older dog, Orla, a black cocker spaniel who joined the family in 2020. Kate revealed in February that they had kept one male puppy from the litter, though she did not name him at the time. During a tour of a Welsh woollen mill, she was asked about the dogs' ages and replied: “So we've got a little puppy, he's only eight months, and Orla's five.”

From Lupo to Orla to Otto: A Canine Lineage

The royal couple's first dog, a black cocker spaniel named Lupo, was a wedding gift from Kate's brother, James Middleton, in 2011. Lupo died unexpectedly in 2020 at the age of nine, prompting the family to welcome Orla later that year. Orla has since become a familiar presence in royal portraits and charity events. Otto's arrival continues a tradition of cocker spaniels in the Wales household. The chocolate spaniel made his public debut in a family photo shared on Instagram on April 29, celebrating the 15th anniversary of William and Kate's marriage. The image, taken by photographer Matt Porteous in Cornwall, shows the couple lying on the grass with their three children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 8—alongside Orla and Otto.

A Birthday Snapshot and Anniversary Celebrations

Otto and his siblings also featured in Prince William's 43rd birthday photo last June. In that picture, William is seen gently stroking one of the chocolate cocker spaniel puppies while Orla stands watchfully behind him. The accompanying caption, signed by the family, read: “Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!” For their 14th wedding anniversary in 2025, William and Kate returned to Scotland, where they met at the University of St Andrews, for a two-day visit and work trip to the Isles of Mull and Iona. Their latest anniversary comes after King Charles III and Queen Camilla's historic four-day state visit to the United States, their first since ascending to the throne. The pair returned to England on April 30, walking off a helicopter and bidding farewell to British Ambassador to the U.S. Christian Turner.

A Growing Family in the Public Eye

The Wales family has carefully managed the introduction of their new pet, sharing glimpses through official social media channels. Otto's first birthday announcement on X and Instagram marks a deliberate public reveal, following months of speculation after Kate's February comment about the puppy. The couple's approach to sharing personal milestones—such as anniversaries, birthdays, and family photos—reflects a broader strategy of controlled visibility. The anniversary photo, in particular, offered a rare, candid view of the family of five, with Prince Louis playfully resting his legs on his mother, Kate. The inclusion of both dogs in the frame underscores their role as integral members of the household.

What Lies Ahead for the Royal Pets

With Otto now officially named and introduced, the family's canine lineup is complete for the foreseeable future. Orla, at five years old, and Otto, at one, are both young and active, likely to appear in future royal engagements and family portraits. The puppies from Orla's litter, aside from Otto, have not been publicly identified or named, leaving open the possibility of further introductions. As the Wales children grow—George, Charlotte, and Louis are now 12, 10, and 8 respectively—the dogs provide a constant, grounding presence. The family's bond with their pets, from Lupo to Orla to Otto, has been a recurring theme in their public narrative, offering a relatable touchpoint for royal watchers.

A Tradition of Cocker Spaniels in the Royal Family

The choice of English cocker spaniels is not incidental; the breed has long been associated with the British monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II was famously devoted to her corgis, but cocker spaniels have also featured prominently in royal households. For William and Kate, the dogs serve as both companions and symbols of continuity. Otto's arrival, coming after the loss of Lupo and the addition of Orla, represents a new chapter. The family's willingness to share these moments—from birthday photos to anniversary snapshots—allows the public a window into their private lives, carefully curated but nonetheless genuine. As the Wales family continues to evolve, their dogs remain a constant, beloved fixture.

The bottom line

• Otto, a chocolate English cocker spaniel, is the new family dog of Prince William and Kate, introduced on his first birthday.
• He is one of four puppies born to Orla, the family's black cocker spaniel, who joined the household in 2020 after the death of Lupo.
• Otto made his public debut in a photo shared for William and Kate's 15th wedding anniversary, taken by Matt Porteous in Cornwall.
• The family's dogs have been featured in multiple official portraits, including Prince William's 43rd birthday photo and the anniversary snapshot.
• Kate confirmed the new puppy in February 2025, saying they kept one male from Orla's litter.
• The Wales family's tradition of cocker spaniels began with Lupo, a gift from Kate's brother James Middleton in 2011.