Queen Elizabeth II has owned more than 30 corgis throughout her life, in addition to dorgis, black Labradors and cocker spaniels. But she is not the only animal-lover in the Royal Family. Prince William and Kate Middleton are also renowned for their adoration of animals. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have welcomed a number of cute fluffy creatures into their home over the years, dating back to before the couple were even engaged. But how many pets have they had over the years?

Prince William’s love of animals began at an early, which is unsurprising given Princess Diana was said to have a passion for animals during her childhood years.

She was so distraught about leaving her beloved guinea pig Peanuts when she was sent to a boarding school that she took the pet with her.

And her actions led to a young Diana being made head of pets corner at the school.

In fact, Kate also had a love of guinea pigs and owned two when she was a child which she called Salt and Pepper.

Widgeon

Prince William’s first dog was given to him as a boy and was a black labrador named Widgeon.

But it was not only dogs the young prince loved, but William also shared a pet lop-eared rabbit with his family.

Tilly

Tilly, a golden retriever, is the Middleton’s childhood dog.

In her early years of interacting with the royals, the Duchess of Cambridge was often spotted attending events with her trusty family’s pet by her side.

Tilly even featured in William and Kate’s family portrait with Prince George shortly after he was born, lying discreetly beside them in the corner of the photo.

The Duchess of Cambridge’s younger brother James Middleton spoke about how Tilly helped soothe his symptoms of depression.

Speaking to the London Evening Standard he revealed how his spaniel Ella and family pet Tilly, who were both trained as therapy dogs, helped him in his battle with depression.

He told the Evening Standard: “Fundamentally inside me, I know how much the dogs helped me. I find it easier talking to the dogs than I sometimes do to humans.”

Lupo

Lupo is an English Cocker Spaniel owned by the couple.

He has been credited with raising the profile of the breed in the UK by The Kennel Club, and has appeared in photographs alongside his owners’ son Prince George of Cambridge.

This adorable pup was bred from a dog owned by Kate’s parents Michael and Carole and was born a little before Christmas 2011.

Reportedly, the sweet pooch was named after Kate’s paternal great grandmother, Olive Chrstiana Middleton nee Lupton.

The English Cocker Spaniel was given to the royal pair by James Middleton in order to keep Kate company while William was away for weeks at a time in the Faulkland Islands.

Lupo clearly holds a special place in the Cambridge families hearts and became a favourite across the nation after Prince George was seen feeding Lupo ice cream on his third birthday.

Marvin

In 2016, it was revealed that Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s had a pet hamster called Marvin.

Speaking with children at Hampton Court Palace as she opened its new Magic Garden, Kate told the children how Charlotte especially loved her new pet because its whiskers tickled her cheeks.

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