This new puppy had been glimpsed before — a birthday photo of William on June 21 showed a brown puppy in his lap alongside other family dogs. Reports in May 2025 noted Orla had a litter, and outlets said the family planned to keep one pup. Princess Kate later confirmed during a February outing, "So we've got a little puppy, he's only 8 months, and Orla's 5."
Orla was a gift from Kate's brother James Middleton, who breeds cocker spaniels. Orla joined the family shortly before the death of William and Kate's first dog, Lupo, and has appeared at events including a polo match and Princess Charlotte's birthday portraits.