Kensington Palace shares sweet new image of the Prince of Wales playing with their family’s newest furry additions
Prince Prince William birthday 2025 was marked with a heartwarming surprise — a candid photo shared by Kensington Palace showing him playing with a litter of puppies. The photo, taken by his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, captures the Prince of Wales enjoying a playful moment with their beloved Cocker Spaniel, Orla, and three of her four newly born puppies.
The photo, shared across social media, came with a touching message signed “with love” by Catherine and their children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and “the puppies,” complete with a paw print emoji.
A Relaxed Royal Moment
The image, taken earlier this month in Windsor, shows a more casual side of the future King. Dressed in jeans and trainers, Prince William sits on the grass as the puppies excitedly climb over him. The royal family’s cocker spaniel Orla watches in the background, adding to the heartwarming scene.
Orla, a gift from Catherine’s brother James Middleton in 2020 following the death of their previous dog Lupo, gave birth to the litter in May 2025. Spaniels are known for their affectionate nature, and the puppies appear to live up to the breed’s reputation in this charming snapshot Prince William birthday 2025.
Royal Family Sends Birthday Wishes
Along with the personal post from his family, the official Royal Family account also wished Prince William a happy birthday, sharing a separate image of him sitting on a stone wall during his May visit to farmers and food producers on the Duchy of Cornwall estate, which he now oversees Prince William birthday 2025.
For more on Prince William’s role and duties, visit the official Royal Family website.
Princess Kate’s Continued Public Support
Though Princess Catherine has stepped back from many public appearances as she continues her recovery following her cancer diagnosis, she recently shared a message in support of children’s hospices, highlighting the vital emotional and practical support they provide to families facing unimaginable challenges.
Royal aides have emphasized that Catherine is carefully balancing her public duties as she returns to engagements. She did not appear at Royal Ascot earlier this week, but her heartfelt message and personal photograph for William’s birthday offer a glimpse into the family’s private life during this period.
King Charles Sends His Own Message — To Antarctica
Meanwhile, King Charles III marked his son’s birthday from afar, recording a special message for the BBC’s Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast. In the annual tradition, the King praised researchers stationed in Antarctica, commending their work tracking climate change during the coldest and darkest time of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.
This special moment showcases the personal and global roles the royal family continues to balance, as Prince William quietly celebrates his birthday surrounded by family — both human and canine.
