The Princess of Wales stepped out in Pulborough on Wednesday, taking a ride on the West Sussex Minibus transport service alongside villagers. When in the village, the royal was stopped in her tracks by an adorable three-year-old cocker spaniel belonging to member of the public, Teressa Beacher.
The 44-year-old crouched down to rub the pooch's ears and scratch his head. She then asked the owner: "Is he cheeky? Does he steal your food?" Followed by a confession about her own dogs: "Whenever there is cereal on the floor our doggies always eat the cereal!"
The Wales family currently have two dogs, Orla and Otto. Orla was gifted by the Princess' brother James Middleton in 2020 and Otto is one of Orla's pups.
© InstagramBack in May, when Otto was just one, Kate made another confession about his troublesome behaviour. Speaking with a guest at a Buckingham Palace garden party, she revealed that the pup had "chewed quite a lot the other day". The royal then added: "You have to keep them busy. The first thing we do in the morning is check, 'Has anyone taken Otto out?'"
Their beloved Orla has featured in some of the royals' most pivotal moments, including Kate's video in which she shared an update on her cancer journey.
© GettyWilliam and Kate used to have another dog named Lupo, who sadly died in 2020 after being in their family for nine years. At the time, the royal couple released a joint statement on Instagram, writing: "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."
As well as their poignant words, they shared a sweet photo of the gorgeous dog. Fan messages of condolence came flooding in. "So sorry for your loss of your fur baby," penned one, and: "My thoughts and prayers go to all of you! Lupo was very loved and will be missed," added another.
A royal's best friend
© BettmannThe royal family are big dog lovers, and you often see members of the firm stopping to pet a pooch or two at royal engagements. Queen Elizabeth II was famous for her love of corgis and she owned over 30 in her lifetime. Most of her corgis were direct descendants of her very first dog, Susan, who was given to her as an 18th birthday present in 1944. Her last two pets before her death were two corgis, Muick and Sandy (which were gifted to her by her son Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in 2021. It is believed that Andrew now looks after them at his private home on the Sandringham Estate.
