Prince William and Kate Middleton’s ‘dear dog’, Lupo, dies

‘We will miss him so much’: Prince William and Kate Middleton tell of their heartbreak after their ‘dear dog’ Lupo died over the weekend

  • Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reveal their dog, Lupo, has died aged nine
  • Lupo, an English cocker spaniel, was bred from a dog owned by the Middletons
  • In 2013, the beloved pet featured in one of the first pictures of Prince George

Prince William and Kate Middleton have been left heartbroken after their ‘dear dog’ Lupo died over the weekend.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared a picture of their beloved pup earlier this evening.

Sharing the news with their 12million Instagram followers, they wrote: ‘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’.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have announced their English cocker spaniel Lupo has died. Lupo appeared in numerous photos alongside the royals, including one of the first to feature Prince George, above, in 2013

Lupo featured in many pictures with the royals, including one of the first official photos of Prince George.

The English cocker spaniel was bred from a dog which was owned by Michael and Carole Middleton, Kate’s parents. 

He was given to the couple in 2011, and is believed to have helped them pick a name for Prince George. 

Prince William and Kate Middleton said Lupo (pictured with Prince George in 2016) was 'at the heart,' of their family since 2011

Prince William and Kate Middleton said Lupo (pictured with Prince George in 2016) was ‘at the heart,’ of their family since 2011

The couple are said to have written names on various pieces of paper and scattered them on the floor. 

Lupo wandered through them, but stopped when he reached the seven-year-old’s name.

Speaking shortly after Prince George’s birth in 2013, Prince William said: ‘For me Catherine and now little George are my priorities, and Lupo.

Firefighters were once called out to rescue Lupo, after he got his stuck in a gate at the royals' home Bucklebury Manor, in Berkshire

Firefighters were once called out to rescue Lupo, after he got his stuck in a gate at the royals’ home Bucklebury Manor, in Berkshire

‘He’s coping alright, as a lot of people know who’ve got dogs and bringing a newborn back, they take a little bit of time to adapt, but he’s been alright so far, he’s been slobbering around the house, so he’s perfectly happy.’

Kate Middleton is thought to have named Lupo after her paternal great-grandmother, who was born Olive Christiana Lupton.

In 2013, firefighters were called out to rescue Lupo after he got his head stuck in a gate at the royals’ home in Berkshire. 

Firefighters rushed to the £2million Bucklebury Manor, only to find he managed to escape.

A Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said at the time: ‘Our crew got to the manor but were told as they arrived at the gates that the dog, which had got its head stuck, had been freed just a few moments earlier so their services were not needed.’

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have revealed their beloved dog Lupo has died at the age of nine.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have revealed their beloved dog Lupo has died at the age of nine. 

Lupo was also the subject of four children’s books, in a series titled The Adventures of a Royal Dog. 

Followers shared their condolences with the royals after they shared the news on Sunday evening.

Film producer Ben Cohen wrote: ‘’m so sorry for your loss. Sending love.’

Another follower wrote: ‘So sorry for your loss… animals are not pets they become family.’

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk