When their beloved cocker spaniel Lupo died earlier this year,
Prince William and
Kate Middleton felt compelled to issue a heartfelt statement. “Very sadly last weekend our dear dog, Lupo, passed away,” the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wrote on Instagram. “He has been at the heart of our family for the past nine years and we will miss him so much.”
The Cambridges are far from the first royals to find companionship and unwavering love in their chosen pets. From Catherine of Aragon’s monkey to Queen Elizabeth’s chameleon, royals have often found uncomplicated loyalty, trust and friendship in animals that they are unable to find in their fellow human beings.