The Prince and Princess of Wales are set to be King and Queen one day, but behind closed doors they are an ordinary couple, it seems, with everyday habits that some wouldn't agree with. Their sleeping arrangement could be considered controversial.
Prince William has revealed that the royal couple share their bed with their pet dog.
In 2024, the father of three paid a visit to Duchy College Stoke Climsland. There, he spoke to Louise Harland, whom he met with her dog, Jacks, and revealed that he and his wife sleep in the same bed as their beloved dog Orla.
© InstagramFollowing her conversation, Louise spoke to Hits Radio Cornwall about the exchange, saying: "[William] said that his little dog sleeps on the bed with them at night, with him and Kate."
She continued: "[He was] absolutely in love with my little dog. He asked what breed he was, and he's never met one of those breeds – he's a Cockerjack – so he's a little bit of a unique combination."
Louise also added that Prince William pointed out how "soft" her little dog's ears were, and that the British royal "gave him lots of loving".
Is sharing a bed with your dog beneficial?
An estimated 56 per cent of pet owners allow their dogs and cats to sleep in their beds. While some may argue it's unhygienic and disrupts sleep, from lowered stress levels to nightmare prevention, there are actually multiple benefits to co-sleeping with your pet.
Sharing a bed with a pet can lead to a deeper, more restorative sleep by increasing oxytocin levels and helping owners reach the REM stage more easily. The presence of a dog is known to reduce anxiety and prevent nightmares, which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from PTSD.
© GettyMany owners feel a heightened sense of security and protection when their pets are nearby, creating a more relaxed environment for falling asleep. Cuddling with a pet before bed lowers stress and lifts the mood, addressing one of the most common factors that disrupt a good night’s rest.
Physical health is also improved, as interacting with a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve overall mental wellbeing. Finally, early exposure to sleeping with pets can even reduce the likelihood of children developing certain allergies later in life.
Prince William and Princess Kate's dogs
Orla, the beautiful cocker spaniel, was given to the royal couple as a gift from Princess Kate's dog-loving younger brother James Middleton back in 2020. The youngest child of Carole and Michael Middleton is the owner and founder of a dog food and lifestyle brand, James & Ella.
© Kirsty O'Connor - PA ImagesThe company is named after James' late dog, Ella, whom he has spoken about frequently as the therapy dog who helped him to push through the most difficult time of his life. Orla is one of Ella's puppies.
It was reported that Orla had given birth to her own little set of puppies, bringing a whole new set of furry feet running around.
Princess Kate confirmed that they had kept one of the spaniels as their own, much to the delight of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
The pup is now believed to be one year and four months old, as it was born May 2025. The family have called the dog Otto.
