Prince William and Princess Kate may be among the most high-profile couples in the world, but when it comes to their personal lives, the royal pair typically keep things close to the chest. Yet every now and then, a charming anecdote slips through—and fans get a rare glimpse into their down-to-earth domestic life.
One such unexpected revelation came not through an official statement or interview, but during a warm encounter with the public.
While visiting Duchy College in Cornwall, Prince William struck up a conversation with a well-wisher who had brought along her dog. Louise Harland, the pet’s owner, later shared with Hits Radio Cornwall that William was not only taken by her dog’s unique breed—a Cockerjack—but also let slip a rather personal tidbit: his own dog, a cocker spaniel named Orla, often sleeps in bed with him and Kate.
“He said that his little dog sleeps on the bed with them at night,” Louise recalled. “He was absolutely in love with my dog.”
It’s a candid detail that reveals a softer, more relatable side of royal life—and one that many pet lovers will instantly recognize.
Sharing the Bed with a Pet: Comforting or Disruptive?
Sleeping beside a beloved dog is a nightly routine in many households, and as the Sleep Foundation notes, it can actually come with several mental and physical health benefits. From easing anxiety and loneliness to lowering blood pressure and providing emotional support, a pet curled up beside you may contribute to a sense of calm and connection.
In particular, some service animals are trained to detect when their owners are experiencing nightmares or anxiety attacks during sleep, helping them wake up and regulate their emotions. It’s no wonder so many people—royals included—find comfort in their pet’s presence at night.
The Not-So-Glamorous Side of Pet Cuddles
However, experts also point out the flip side. Dr. Dustin Cotliar, a sleep medicine physician, cautions that having a dog in your bed can sometimes interfere with sleep quality. Movement, warmth, and even allergies may become issues over time.
“It may be tempting to snuggle up with your dog at night,” he explains, “but it can definitely disturb one’s sleep.”
Other potential drawbacks include increased exposure to germs, disrupted temperature regulation, and even behavioral issues in dogs who become overly territorial about sleeping spaces.
For these reasons, some sleep specialists recommend having your dog sleep in their own bed next to yours rather than under the covers.
Even Royals Are Just Like Us
While William’s admission may surprise some, it’s a gentle reminder that even those in castles face the same choices many families do when it comes to balancing comfort, routines, and sleep. Whether it’s a royal pup or a rescue dog, that nighttime bond between human and animal is a universally cherished experience.
And if the Prince and Princess of Wales have made room in their royal bed for their four-legged friend, perhaps there’s a little more room in the conversation for embracing the quirky, comforting routines that make a house a home—no matter how grand.