Everyone grieves pet loss differently, and for many, the loss of a dog is comparable to the loss of a human. Those who don’t have animals might not understand, but the pain of saying goodbye to your furry friend is unimaginable. So, when Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, announced that their family dog Lupo had passed away, followers were quick to comfort them.
Lupo the black Cocker Spaniel was with the family for 9 years. The couple’s children grew up beside Lupo, so thinking about life without him was unbearable. Luckily, fans were very kind and supportive.
An Emotional Goodbye
The royal family has always been a group of dog lovers. Queen Elizabeth was famous for her many Corgis over the years, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently adopted a black Lab named Pula. The family has lost many royal dogs before, and every time is just as heartbreaking as Lupo’s death.
William and Kate turned to Instagram to announce their loss. They shared a simple, yet heartfelt message, along with an adorable photo of Lupo in the snow.
“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 miss him so much,” the couple shared on their Instagram page.
James Middleton’s Tribute
Kate’s brother, James Middleton, also turned to Instagram to honor Lupo. He posted three images of the dog and shared a lengthy post explaining why dogs are so important and so hard to say goodbye to. Dogs are especially important to James because he claims that his dog Ella saved his life. Ella also happens to be Lupo’s mom.
“Nothing can ever prepare you for the loss of a dog. For those who have never had a dog, it might be hard to understand the loss. However for those who have loved a dog know the truth: a dog is not just a pet; [they are] a member of the family, a best friend, a loyal companion, a teacher, and a therapist,” James wrote on Instagram.
In his post, James goes on to say that there’s no right way to grieve a dog. He said he still feels the pain from losing his first dog Tilly back in 2017. To honor Lupo, James lit a candle, said a prayer, and took Ella for a walk so they could spend time remembering him.
While the royal family often seems to keep their dogs away from the spotlight, it’s clear that their furry friends are just as much a part of the family as their human ones are. It’s difficult to imagine what William and Kate are going through, but at least they can feel comfort in believing that James’ late dog Tilly will be there to greet Lupo in the afterlife.
Rest in peace, Lupo. Your family and their many fans will miss you terribly.
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