Prince William and Princess Kate have decided to keep one of their new puppies after being labelled "staggeringly out of touch".
The decision comes after Kate's challenging battle with cancer over the past 18 months.
Sources close to the Wales family claim that breeding their beloved pet Orla was intended to give Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, something positive to anticipate during their mother's illness.
The Wales family's cocker spaniel Orla, a gift from Kate's brother James Middleton in 2020, gave birth to four puppies in May.
William and Kate make emotional decision for George, Charlotte and Louis despite backlash.
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A photograph released for Prince William's 43rd birthday on Saturday showed the future king with Orla and three of her recently born puppies.
The image, captured by the Princess of Wales in Windsor earlier this month, was shared on William's social media channels.
The post included a message signed "with love" from Kate and their three children, along with "the puppies" accompanied by a paw print emoji.
The Wales family's decision subsequently drew sharp criticism from animal rights charity PETA. Elisa Allen, PETA's Vice President of Programmes, called the royals "staggeringly out of touch" for breeding puppies during an animal homelessness crisis.
George, Charlotte, Louis and Kate send special message to William as new puppies revealed.
Princess of Wales
"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," Allen stated.
PETA contrasted their choice with King Charles and Queen Camilla, who adopted rescue dogs. The Queen recently welcomed Moley from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, where she serves as patron.
Last November, the royal couple's rescue dog, Beth, died after bringing them years of companionship.
According to the Mail, Kate and William's decision to breed Orla was partly motivated by providing the children with something enjoyable to focus on during their mother's health struggles.
Princess Kate and Prince William walking with their dog, Orla, in 2022.
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Princess Kate is currently in remission after undergoing chemotherapy.
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The princess underwent chemotherapy last year following cancer discovered after serious abdominal surgery in January. She was fitted with a semi-permanent port at the Royal Marsden Hospital for treatment delivery.
A source told the publication that Kate has been "to hell and back" over the past year and a half, noting she was "seriously unwell" before her surgery.
"As parents, there is always only so much we can keep from our children, particularly when it comes to physical illness," the publication reported, explaining why the couple chose to breed Orla during this difficult period.
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