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When it comes to the royal family, rumors<\/a> are basically part of the package. From major life updates<\/a> to much smaller (but equally intriguing) details, speculation tends to swirl and more often than not, the public is left guessing. That said, every once in a while, we get a rare moment of clarity straight from the source. Case in point: the long-rumored question of whether the Prince and Princess of Wales have welcomed a new pet<\/a>. Turns out, Kate Middleton<\/a> just confirmed it herself.<\/p>\n The Princess of Wales, 44, stepped out on February 3 to visit a few Welsh businesses, including the Hiut Denim factory. While there, she had a sweet interaction with a cocker spaniel named Barney and the moment didn\u2019t go unnoticed. Photographers captured the striking moment of Princess Catherine smiling as she bends down to pet the chocolate-brown pup, clearly smitten.<\/p>\n According to Hello!<\/em><\/a>, while admiring Barney, the princess was asked about her own dogs at home and her response confirmed what royal watchers have long been thinking. \u201cSo we\u2019ve got a little puppy, he\u2019s only 8 months, and Orla\u2019s 5,\u201d Catherine explained.<\/p>\n Speculation about a new Wales family pet has been circulating since last year, after Orla, who was gifted to William and Kate by Kate\u2019s brother, James Middleton, in 2020, welcomed a litter of puppies. The couple officially acknowledged the litter in June 2025 with a birthday photo celebrating the Prince of Wales.<\/p>\n The candid image showed William sitting on the grass with three puppies perched around his lap and was signed, \u201cLove C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies!\u201d<\/p>\n Even before actually getting the new pup, there were rumors dating back to March 2025, when Catherine shared a serene video tribute<\/a> to Mother Nature in honor of UK Mother\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n Between shots of blooming flowers, the princess resting her hands on a tree trunk and waves crashing along the shore, eagle-eyed viewers spotted what looked like a subtle clue. In one scene, a man believed to be Prince William is seen walking barefoot, with two dogs trailing closely behind, prompting plenty of questions.<\/p>\n Nearly a year later, it seems we finally have our answer.<\/p>\n Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Subscribe here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n