As prim, proper and perfect as the Prince and Princess of Wales are, they still pack quite a few surprises, and their strange sleeping arrangement is certainly one of the most controversial.
Prince William and Princess Kate revealed that they sit very firmly on one side of arguably the most divisive sleeping rule debate in history - sharing a bed with your dog.
© InstagramIn 2024, the father-of-three paid a visit to Duchy College Stoke Climsland. There, he spoke to Louise Harland, whom he met with her dog, Jacks, and revealed that he and his wife sleep with their beloved dog Orla in the same bed as them.
Following her conversation, Louise spoke to Hits Radio Cornwall about the exchange, saying: "[William] said that his little dog sleeps on the bed with them at night, with him and Kate."
She continued: "[He was] absolutely in love with my little dog. He asked what breed he was and he's never met one of those breeds – he's a Cockerjack – so he's a little bit of a unique combination."
Louise also added that Prince William pointed out how "soft" her little dog's ears were, and that the British royal "gave him lots of loving".
Is sharing a bed with your dog beneficial?
An estimated 56 per cent of pet owners allow their dogs and cats to sleep in their beds. While some may argue it's unhygienic and disrupts sleep, from lowered stress levels to nightmare prevention, there are actually multiple benefits to co-sleeping with your pet.
Sharing a bed with a pet can lead to a deeper, more restorative sleep by increasing oxytocin levels and helping owners reach the REM stage more easily. The presence of a dog is known to reduce anxiety and prevent nightmares, which is particularly beneficial for those suffering from PTSD.
© GettyMany owners feel a heightened sense of security and protection when their pets are nearby, creating a more relaxed environment for falling asleep. Cuddling with a pet before bed lowers stress and lifts the mood, addressing one of the most common factors that disrupt a good night’s rest.
Physical health is also improved, as interacting with a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve overall mental wellbeing. Finally, early exposure to sleeping with pets can even reduce the likelihood of children developing certain allergies later in life.
Prince William and Princess Kate's dogs
Orla, the beautiful cocker spaniel, was given to the royal couple as a gift from Princess Kate's dog-loving younger brother James Middleton back in 2020. The youngest child of Carole and Michael Middleton is the owner and founder of a dog food and lifestyle brand, Ella & Co.
© Kirsty O'Connor - PA ImagesThe company is named after James' late dog, Ella, whom he has spoken about frequently as the therapy dog who helped him to push through the most difficult time of his life. Orla is one of Ella's puppies.
It was reported back last year that Orla had given birth to her own little set of puppies, bringing a whole new set of furry feet running around.
Princess Kate confirmed in Feburary this year that they had kept one of the spaniels as their own, much to the delight of Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, ten, and Prince Louis, seven.
During a visit to West Wales, Kate befriended a cute dog. She was asked by a well-wisher, "How old are yours?", to which she responded: "So we've got a little puppy, he's only eight months, and Orla's five."
