On May 1, 2026, the royal family celebrated a double milestone: Prince William and Kate Middleton introduced their new puppy Otto on the same day they marked their 15th wedding anniversary. Otto, a brown Cocker Spaniel, is not just any pet; he is the latest addition to the family from a litter of four puppies born to their beloved Orla.
Otto’s introduction came through a heartwarming social media post from Kensington Palace, featuring a photo captioned ‘Welcome to the family, Otto! 1 today.’ This joyful announcement resonated with followers who have followed the family’s journey since they lost Lupo, another Cocker Spaniel and a wedding gift, in 2020. As Prince William noted with a tinge of nostalgia, ‘[Orla’s] actually the niece of our other dog, Lupo, who sadly we lost in lockdown.’ The loss of Lupo had left a void that Otto now fills.
Kate Middleton had first hinted at Otto’s impending arrival back in February when he was just eight months old. She shared her excitement about having a little puppy alongside Orla, who is now five years old. ‘So we’ve got a little puppy; he’s only eight months,’ she explained during an engagement. The family’s dynamic is sure to shift as they welcome this playful newcomer into their lives.
Key facts about Otto:
- Otto was born in May 2025 and celebrated his first birthday on May 1, 2026.
- He is one of four puppies from Orla’s recent litter.
- The family previously had Lupo, who passed away in 2020.
- Otto’s fur is described as a lovely chocolate color that highlights his ears.
The three children—Prince George at 12 years old, Princess Charlotte at 10, and Prince Louis at just 8—are expected to enjoy countless adventures with Otto through the expansive gardens of Windsor. Observers speculate that this new furry companion will not only bring joy but also increase the family’s activity levels as they engage in outdoor play.
As this chapter unfolds for the royal family at Kensington Palace, fans eagerly await updates on how Otto will adapt to his new home and how he will bond with his human siblings. The addition of a pet often brings unforeseen joys and challenges alike—something that the royal couple has embraced wholeheartedly.