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Kate Middleton confirmed a new addition to her family during a visit to Wales
While marveling over a cocker spaniel at the Hiut Denim factory, the Princess of Wales confirmed that she and Prince William have an 8-month-old puppy
Rumors of the new pet started last year when their 5-year-old cocker spaniel, Orla, welcomed puppies
Kate Middletonis confirming that four more paws are running aroundForest Lodge.
The Princess of Wales, 44,visited a pair of Welsh businesseson Tuesday, Feb. 3, meeting with the employees and learning about their handcrafted products. At the Hiut Denim factory in Cardigan, Princess Kate was especially charmed by a cocker spaniel named Barney, sparking a revelation about her own pets.
"She had a rather long chat with my fiancée about our dog, about how she also has cocker spaniels and that hers is the same age as ours," Hiut CEO Johann Von Loeper shared with PEOPLE. "It was a nice moment that broke the ice."
Hello!reported that Kate also confirmed rumors that she andPrince Williamhavewelcomed a new doginto their family.
While marveling over Barney, the princess was asked how old her family's dogs are. She answered, "So we've got a little puppy, he's only 8 months, and Orla's 5."
Ryan Jenkinson / Kensington Palace
Speculation about the new family pet began last year after Orla — whom they got as a gift from Kate's brother,James Middleton, in 2020 —welcomed a litter of puppies. William and Kate officially confirmed the arrival of Orla's litter with a photo released in June 2025 to celebrate the Prince of Wales' birthday. Thecandid image, which showed William sitting on the grass with three puppies around his lap, was signed: "Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!"
Rebecca English ofThe Daily Mailreported at the time that caring for the puppies was "something fun" for the Prince and Princess of Wales' three children —Prince George, 12,Princess Charlotte, 10, andPrince Louis, 7 — and that they were planning to keep one of the dogs.
Last month, the family fueled further speculation when they were spotted with two dogs in tow.
While the new puppy's name remains a mystery, it's possible that he will pop up in a future social media post or royal outing. Orla has occasionally joined the royals for outdoor events like charity polo matches, and she has also twice appeared inPrincess Charlotte's birthday portraits.
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The new addition comes after the family lost their first dog, Lupo, also a black cocker spaniel, that William and Kate received from James in December 2011 as a "belated wedding present."
Lupo died in November 2020, and the royal couplemourned their furry friendwith a heartfelt Instagram post.
"Very sadly last weekend our dear dog, Lupo, passed away. He has been at the heart of our family for the past nine years and we will miss him so much. - W & C," theywroteon social media, alongside a photo of the adorable black cocker spaniel.
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Prince William opened up about losing Lupo in hisepisode ofThe Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, which premiered in October 2025.
During part of their candid, personal conversation, William and Levy went for a walk around Windsor, where the prince introduced theSchitt's Creekstar to Orla.
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"She's actually the niece of our other dog, Lupo, who sadly we lost during [COVID] lockdown," William shared.
Levy shared his condolences and asked if the family was there when it happened. William replied, "Yes, we were all there, sadly. It was very sad."
Read the original article onPeople
