Royals in Mourning: Prince William Opens Up About Heartbreaking Family Loss

In a rare moment of vulnerability, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has shared a deeply personal story of grief that humanizes the royal family amid their high-profile duties. During a candid interview, the future king reflected on the profound loss of Lupo, the beloved cocker spaniel who was a cornerstone of his household for nearly a decade. This emotional revelation, shared with Canadian actor Eugene Levy, not only highlights William’s bond with his pets but also resonates with millions navigating their own experiences of loss—especially poignant as it occurred during the isolating early days of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

A Joyful Introduction Turns Poignant

The heartfelt exchange unfolded in an episode of Levy’s Apple TV+ series, The Reluctant Traveler, where the self-described homebody explores global destinations with humor and humility. William, hosting Levy at Windsor, introduced their current family pet, Orla—a spirited cocker spaniel—as she eagerly accepted a treat from the actor. “This is going down well. Look, you’re getting the look which is like, ‘Please feed me,'” William quipped with a fond smile, drawing shared laughter over the universal charm of canine begging.

But the lighthearted moment swiftly deepened when conversation turned to the joys—and sorrows—of pet ownership. William revealed that Orla is the niece of their previous dog, Lupo, who “sadly we lost in lockdown.” His voice carried a trace of lingering sadness, underscoring the irreplaceable role these animals play in the family’s life. When Levy gently asked if the family was present during Lupo’s final moments, William confirmed, “Yeah, we were all there sadly. It was very sad.” This raw honesty painted a picture of collective mourning: William, Princess Catherine, and their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—gathered to bid farewell to a cherished companion.

Lupo: A Loyal Heart of the Family

Lupo’s passing wasn’t just a private sorrow; the Wales family publicly announced it in November 2020, sharing their grief with the world. “Very sadly, last weekend, our dear dog, Lupo, passed away. He has been at the heart of our family for the past 9 years, and we will miss him so much,” they wrote. Adopted in January 2012 as a wedding gift from Catherine’s brother, James Middleton—a devoted dog lover and advocate for their therapeutic benefits—Lupo quickly became an indispensable family member.

The black cocker spaniel accompanied the couple through the early years of marriage, the births of their three children, and the relentless pace of royal life. He appeared in official portraits, including tender shots with baby George, offering a grounding normalcy amid the glamour. For William and Catherine, Lupo provided unconditional love and playful energy, a “furry shadow” that eased the demands of parenthood and public service. His death during lockdown amplified the pain, mirroring the global wave of isolation and loss that year.

James Middleton’s gift was especially fitting; his own passion for dogs, including his pack of spaniels, has long emphasized their role in mental health and emotional support. Lupo’s lineage lived on through Orla, ensuring the family’s affection for the breed—and its joyful spirit—endures.

New Beginnings: Orla and Her Puppies Bring Renewal

Life’s cycle of loss and joy continues for the Waleses, embodied in Orla’s recent role as a mother. In celebration of William’s 43rd birthday in June 2025, an official portrait captured the prince in relaxed repose at Windsor, with Orla curled beside him and her litter of fluffy puppies tumbling around. The image, radiating warmth and whimsy, symbolized fresh starts: the tiny spaniels, descendants of Lupo’s line, frolicking as harbingers of healing and happiness.

This public showcase of their “furry family” underscores pets’ integral place in royal life—not mere accessories, but vital sources of comfort. Orla’s puppies join a household already brimming with young energy from George, Charlotte, and Louis, blending human and canine bonds in a testament to resilience.

A Universal Reminder from the Crown

William’s disclosure strips away the monarchy’s polished veneer, revealing a father and husband who, like so many, finds solace in a pet’s wagging tail and unwavering loyalty. It echoes the family’s broader narrative of quiet strength: from Catherine’s cancer battle to their commitment to mental health initiatives like the Earthshot Prize. In sharing Lupo’s story, William bridges the gap between palace walls and everyday homes, affirming that grief knows no titles.

As Orla and her puppies scamper into the future, Lupo’s memory lingers as a gentle reminder of love’s enduring echo. What about you—has a pet ever been the “heart” of your family? Share your stories below; these connections remind us we’re all navigating the same tender path.