Kate Middleton & Prince William Announce the Death of Dog Lupo

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's dog, Lupo, has died.

Kate Middleton and Prince William shared the sad news on Instagram, along with a photo of their beloved black English Cocker Spaniel. In a personal message, the couple 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."

The family's dog was born in 2011, and was bred by Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, from their own dog, Ella.

Lupo was an important member of the Cambridge family, and he even featured in some official royal family photos. For instance, Lupo put in a special appearance for Prince George's third birthday portraits. The beautiful pup will be sadly missed by Kate, William, and their three children.

In 2013, Lupo was thrown into the spotlight for a slightly surprising reason. The Telegraph reported that Lupo wouldn't be invited to the royal family's Christmas celebration at Sandringham. A source told the publication, "The Queen made it clear that Lupo was not on the guest list ... The Duchess is especially fond of the puppy and was sad that he could not accompany them. He had to sit it out at her parents’ home in Berkshire."

A source also revealed to Hello! magazine that Lupo became part of the Cambridge family to keep Duchess Kate company while Prince William was working for the Royal Air Force in the Falkland Islands.

Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.

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