The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have paid tribute to their beloved dog Lupo after his death.
The nine-year-old black cocker spaniel was a wedding present from Kate’s brother James Middleton.
William and Kate said he had been “at the heart of our family”.
In an Instagram post, they 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.”
William previously spoke about how Lupo was adjusting to the arrival of Prince George after his birth in July 2013.
“He’s coping all right, actually,” he said.
“As a lot of people know who have got dogs and bring a newborn back, they take a little bit of time to adapt, but, no he’s been all right so far.”
He added: “He’s been slobbering sort of around the house a bit, so he’s perfectly happy.”
Prince George was pictured offering Lupo a lick of his ice-cream in pictures taken to mark the young royal’s third birthday.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared the news on Instagram
PAIt prompted the RSPCA to warn people not to give dairy products to their dogs, as they can be toxic, although the animal welfare charity praised George for trying to help Lupo keep cool in the summer heat.
Spaniels, which were bred as gun dogs, are known for being high energy and Kate once wistfully commented on a charity worker’s well behaved dogs on a visit to Keswick in the Lake District.
“Maybe we should lend you Lupo,” she joked.
As recently as March, Kate revealed table tennis was a difficult activity in their household because of Lupo’s determination to get involved.
During the couple’s visit to the Republic of Ireland, she told young people at a respite centre in County Kildare: “We try to do this at home but our dog keeps catching the ping pong balls.”
Lupo’s mother Ella is understood to be owned by Kate’s mother Carol.
Also paying tribute to the dog, Kate’s brother posted on Instagram: “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; it is a member of the family, a best friend, a loyal companion, a teacher and a therapist.”
Mr Middleton described himself as “Dog Dad to Ella, Zulu, Inka, Luna, Mabel & Nala” on his Instagram page.
He said he took Ella for a long walk and lit a candle in memory of Lupo after he got the sad news.
