Princess Kate and Prince William attack backfires as Peta faces furious calls to lose charity status

The criticism came after Kate released a previously unseen photograph to mark William's 43rd birthday last week, showing the Prince surrounded by Orla and her four puppies, accompanied by a personal message from the Princess and their children.

The charity's intervention has drawn fierce criticism from royal supporters and commentators who have accused Peta of insensitivity during the family's difficult period.

The controversy has reignited debate about Peta's tactics, with Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell leading efforts to challenge the organisation's charitable status.

"It is completely wrong that an extreme organisation like Peta, which is blatantly political in its activities, is given the tax advantages afforded to a charity," Rosindell stated.

The MP is spearheading a group that has written to the Charity Commission questioning whether Peta should retain its charitable designation.

Critics argue the organisation operates more as a political protest faction than a charity, with this latest royal intervention providing ammunition for those seeking to revoke its tax-advantaged status.

One defender wrote on X in response to Peta's statement: "Promoting adoption is great - but shaming others for not doing exactly what you want? That's your out-of-touch moment."

Another supporter argued: "Prince William and Catherine are free to breed puppies if they want to. There are bigger problems in the world that Peta can attack."

The backlash comes as the Princess continues her recovery from cancer treatment, with critics suggesting Peta failed to consider the family's recent personal struggles.

When contacted for comment, Elisa Allen, VP of Programs & Operations, said: "PETA’s aim is, and always has been, to reduce animal suffering, and people are glad to receive information from our investigations and other fact-checked resources that give them the ability to make compassionate decisions.

"Today, PETA and our global entities are backed by more than nine million members and supporters.

"As a UK registered charity for nearly 30 years, we have convinced hundreds of designers and retailers to drop fur, angora, and wild-animal skins, helped stop experimentation on animals in Europe for cosmetics, seen wild-animal circus bans, and many other ground-breaking victories for animals.

"Despite of, or rather because of, these achievements, there are those – often with ties to industries that profit from animal exploitation – who seek to undermine our work because it threatens their bottom line."

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Allen's original statement on William and Kate said: "The Prince and Princess of Wales should know that shelters here and worldwide are overflowing with puppies desperate for a second chance at a loving home and that churning out a litter in the midst of this animal homelessness crisis is staggeringly out of touch."

Allen urged William to follow his father's example, adding: "If William is going to lead, he might well take a lesson from King Charles and Queen Camilla, who have chosen to adopt from a shelter rather than contribute to the problem."

The Queen has previously rescued several dogs, including Jack Russells Beth and Bluebell, and recently adopted an eight-week-old rescue puppy named Moley from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.