Before Prince William could officially become part of the Middleton family, he reportedly had to pass a unique and utterly heartwarming test—one involving puppies!
In a recent interview with Hello! Magazine, Kate Middleton’s younger brother, James Middleton, jokingly revealed that the future King needed to prove his love for dogs before winning the family’s full approval. And according to James, William passed with flying colors.
“He had a long love of dogs,” James said with a grin, recalling the early days of Kate and William’s courtship. “He had a very strong relationship with a black lab called Wigeon growing up, so he knew the powers of what dogs can do.”
As the founder of a dog-focused wellness brand and an outspoken canine enthusiast, James has always been vocal about the therapeutic and emotional benefits of dogs. So, naturally, he would’ve taken Prince William’s feelings toward pups seriously—and it seems William didn’t disappoint.
While the idea of a “puppy test” may sound like a joke, it actually reveals just how central dogs have been in the Middleton household and now within the royal family, too. Over the years, Kate and William have surrounded their growing family with furry friends, making their love for dogs a shared passion.
The couple’s current cocker spaniel, Orla, is more than just a pet—she’s part of the royal inner circle. The adorable pup even made headlines after appearing in Princess Charlotte’s official seventh birthday portraits, snapped by none other than Kate herself.
Orla holds a special place in the family’s hearts not just for her sweet personality, but also because of where she came from. She was gifted to the Cambridges by none other than James Middleton himself, making her yet another four-legged tie between the Middletons and the royals.
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This isn’t the first time James has played royal dog whisperer. Before Orla, the Prince and Princess of Wales had another beloved cocker spaniel named Lupo, also a gift from James and his wife Alizée Thevenet. Lupo was a constant presence in the family and featured in numerous official photos throughout the years until his passing in 2020.
It’s clear that the royal children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—are being raised in a home where dogs are considered part of the family. Their upbringing is steeped not only in tradition but also in everyday joys like tail wags, muddy paws, and puppy cuddles.
James has long been an advocate for mental health and credits his dogs with helping him through personal struggles, including depression. His connection with animals runs deep, and it’s no surprise he wanted the same values to be shared by anyone marrying into the family.
And it seems Prince William fits right in. Not only does he share the Middleton family’s love of dogs, but his children are also growing up with the same bond—creating a new generation of royals who find comfort, joy, and companionship in their furry friends.
So, while the idea of a “puppy test” might be playful, it speaks volumes about what really matters to the Middletons—and the royals: love, loyalty, and a whole lot of dog hair.
And if passing a puppy test was the secret to winning over the Middletons, then Prince William surely earned top marks.
