Overnight, Prince William and Kate Middleton shared some upsetting news—their beloved family dog, Lupo, passed away.
A black English Cocker Spaniel, Lupo was born in late 2011 from Kate’s parents’ dog, Ella. And his name, Lupo, was apparently a sweet nod to Kate’s family and was reportedly chosen to pay homage to her great-grandmother’s maiden name, Lupton.
According to Hello! magazine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge originally chose to adopt Lupo in order to keep Kate company while William was away in the Falklands Islands on duty with the RAF.
On November 23, the couple announced the devastating news on their Kensington Royal Instagram, saying:
“Very sadly last weekend our dear dog, Lupo, passed away. He has been at the heart of our family for the past nine years and we will miss him so much. – W & C”
A very important member of the Cambridge family, Lupo even featured in some official royal family photos. On one occassion, Lupo even made a special appearance for Prince George’s third birthday portraits.
Lupo was even reported to have helped Will and Kate choose George’s name. According to royal sources, the couple wrote several of their top name picks on slips of paper and scattered them on the floor and that “George” was the name the dog walked to.
Whether that story is true or not, he was prominently featured in one of the first official pictures of George—and he was already staring lovingly at the family pup.
Lupo will not only be missed by the Cambridge family but also by the entire world.
