James Middleton Shares Joy Over Niece and a Family Dog
James Middleton, the younger brother of Kate and Pippa, recently opened up about a simple, enduring source of happiness in his life: the family’s dogs. In a candid chat with a popular weekly, he expressed that he is “very happy” to see his nieces growing up with a pet by their side. He believes a dog brings daily benefits and a sense of companionship that the children will remember for years to come.
James spoke about the family’s longtime bond with their pets, noting how the dogs have become an everyday presence that shapes the family’s routine and warmth. He described the experience as a gift to the children and the adults alike, highlighting the steady, gentle influence a four-legged friend can offer during childhood and beyond.
Historically, Lupo, the couple’s first dog, traced his roots to Ella, a dog cherished by James as a favorite companion. The family’s latest canine addition, Orla, was also a thoughtful gift from James, reinforcing the family’s habit of sharing and caring through their pets. The dogs have become familiar characters in the family’s public moments, reinforcing the everyday story behind royal life without turning it into a spectacle.
In a moment captured for a milestone portrait, Princess Charlotte is seen embracing a Cocker Spaniel among a field of blossoms as she marks her eighth birthday. The image offers a glimpse of the affectionate bond between the princess and her dog, a dynamic that has delighted fans and added a personal touch to the family’s celebrations. Orla has appeared in a portrait tied to Charlotte’s seventh birthday as well, underscoring the strong presence of the family’s pets in important occasions. The pet has even appeared at public events, such as a polo match attended by Prince William and Kate, highlighting the lighthearted side of royal engagements.
Earlier reporting from family-focused outlets revealed that James once penned letters to his parents in a playful bid to persuade them to bring a dog into the home. When the Black Spanish puppy named Tilly joined the family, the puppy quickly became a central confidant and best friend to James, providing companionship and comfort during formative years. He has spoken about the emotional solace he found in Tilly, noting that the dog was there to listen at moments when personal feelings felt hard to express to anyone else. The connection with Tilly is described as a source of steady support and trusted companionship through various chapters of adolescence and early adulthood.
Overall, the relationship between the Middleton children and their dogs illustrates a timeless truth about pets: they offer a sense of security, a reason to smile, and a shared memory that traces through family life. The dogs are not merely pets; they are trusted friends who help the family navigate moments of joy and challenge alike, creating a feeling of continuity and warmth that resonates with supporters around the world.