Prince and Princess of Wales Name New Puppy Otto, a Chocolate Cocker Spaniel

Key facts

• Otto is a chocolate cocker spaniel.
• He is one of four puppies born to the family's older dog, Orla.
• Orla joined the royal household in 2020 after the death of their first dog, Lupo.
• Kensington Palace shared a picture on X with the caption: 'Welcome to the family, Otto! 1 today.'
• Princess Kate confirmed in February that they had a new puppy, then eight months old.
• Otto appeared in Prince William's 43rd birthday photo last June.
• He also appeared with Orla in a family holiday snapshot for the couple's 15th wedding anniversary.

A New Addition to the Royal Household

The Prince and Princess of Wales have introduced their new puppy, Otto, a chocolate cocker spaniel, on his first birthday. Kensington Palace released a photograph on X with the caption: 'Welcome to the family, Otto! 1 today.' The announcement marks the official naming of the couple's second family dog. Otto is one of four puppies born to the family's older dog, Orla, who has been part of the royal household since 2020. Orla joined after the unexpected death of the Waleses' first dog, Lupo, a black cocker spaniel who died in 2020.

A Gradual Reveal

Princess Kate had previously confirmed the existence of a new puppy in February, stating that the dog was eight months old at the time. The couple had kept the puppy's name private until now, though Otto had already made public appearances. He was featured in Prince William's 43rd birthday photograph last June, and he appeared alongside Orla in a family holiday snapshot released for the couple's 15th wedding anniversary.

The Role of Orla and Lupo

Orla, a cocker spaniel, was acquired in 2020 as a companion for the family after Lupo's death. Lupo had been a beloved pet since 2012, often appearing in official photographs. The addition of Otto continues the Waleses' tradition of keeping cocker spaniels, a breed known for its friendly and loyal temperament.

Social Media Announcement

The official announcement came via Kensington Palace's X account, a platform the royal family frequently uses to share personal milestones. The post included a single image of Otto, capturing the puppy's chocolate coat. The caption celebrated his first birthday, a detail that aligns with the timeline Kate provided in February when she said the puppy was eight months old.

A Growing Family

Otto joins a household that includes Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, as well as Orla. The family's dogs have often been featured in candid and official photographs, endearing them to the public. Lupo, in particular, was a frequent presence in family portraits. The arrival of Otto signals a continuation of this tradition.

Looking Ahead

With Otto now publicly named, the Waleses are likely to include him in future family photographs and events. The puppy's presence adds a lighthearted element to the royal family's public image, offering a glimpse into their private life. As Otto grows, he may follow in the pawprints of Lupo and Orla, becoming a familiar face in royal announcements.

The bottom line

• Otto is a chocolate cocker spaniel, one of four puppies born to Orla.
• Orla joined the Wales family in 2020 after the death of their first dog, Lupo.
• Kensington Palace announced Otto's name on his first birthday via a social media post.
• Princess Kate had previously mentioned the puppy in February, saying he was eight months old.
• Otto has already appeared in official photographs, including Prince William's birthday photo and the couple's anniversary snapshot.
• The naming of Otto continues the Waleses' tradition of owning cocker spaniels.