Royal Encounters: A Look at Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Other Royals Meeting Animals
Discover how numerous members of the royal family have encountered a variety of animals during their official engagements throughout the years.
Prince William, Princess Kate Middleton, and other members of the British royal family often meet different people during public events. However, some guests stand out for being extra adorable - and furry.
In January 2022, the official Kensington Palace Twitter account posted photos of William and Kate taking turns holding a cockapoo named Alfie, a therapy dog. The caption playfully asked, "Who do you think Alfie preferred?"
William and Kate surprised everyone by visiting Clitheroe Community Hospital in Lancashire, England. They met with local medical professionals who have been working hard in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In support of their efforts, the NHS Charities set up a staff wellbeing room where they can relax and even spend time with therapy dogs Jasper and Alfie.
During their outings together, William and Kate have had the chance to meet a variety of animals. In March 2022, on a St. David’s Day visit to Pant Farm in Wales, they were delighted to meet some adorable baby goats.
The official Instagram Story captioned a photo of the couple petting goats, highlighting the significance of the agricultural industry to rural communities. They emphasized the importance of working with local businesses, promoting local produce, and sustainable practices in supporting farms as the lifeblood of the community.
Scroll down to view photos of the British royals interacting with animals over the years.
Four Legged Friends Cutest Photos Royals Meeting Animals Through Years Prince William Kate Middleton
Credit: Ben Birchall/WPA Pool/Shutterstock
Royals Meeting Animals
Prince William, Princess Kate Middleton, and other members of the British royal family often encounter a diverse range of individuals during public outings. However, some of the most memorable guests are the ones that are cute and covered in fur.
In January 2022, the official Kensington Palace Twitter account asked, "Who do you think Alfie, the therapy dog preferred?" They shared photos of William and Kate taking turns holding a cockapoo.
William and Kate surprised everyone by visiting Clitheroe Community Hospital in Lancashire, England. They met with local medical professionals who were working hard across the rural community in response to the coronavirus pandemic. To support their efforts, the NHS Charities set up a staff wellbeing room. This room was created to promote mental health and provided space for medical professionals to play with their therapy dogs Jasper and Alfie.
William and Kate have encountered a variety of animals during their outings together. Two months later, they had the chance to meet baby goats during a St. David’s Day visit to Pant Farm in Wales.
The pair's official Instagram Story captioned a farm photo of them petting the goats, emphasizing the importance of the agricultural industry to rural communities. They highlighted the significance of working with local businesses, promoting local produce, and implementing sustainable practices, showcasing how farms like this one are vital to the community.
Scroll below to see the British royals meeting animals through the years:
Prince William Princess Kate and More Royals Who Have Met Animals Through the Years
Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
A Somerset Petting Zoo
Duchess Sophie attended Shepton Mallet’s Field to Farm Learning Day in April 2024, which had a petting zoo of sheep and piglets.
Royals Who Have Met Animals Through the Years
Credit: Andrew Milligan/AP/Shutterstock
A Scottish Equine
During an October 2022 visit to Aberdeenshire, Charles pet a local horse.
Jubilee Zoo Trip! Princess Anne, More Royals’ Cutest Photos With Animals
Credit: PA Images/INSTAR
Jubilee Visit
Princess Anne visited a penguin during her visit to the Edinburgh Zoo in June 2022 as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Furry-Friends-Duchess Camilla More Royals Coo Over Cute Animals Photos
Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
The Mane Event
During Camilla and Charles’ May 2022 visit in Ottawa, Canada, the Duchess of Cornwall pet a stallion.
Four Legged Friends Cutest Photos Royals Meeting Animals Through Years Prince William Kate Middleton
Credit: James Glossop/AP/Shutterstock
Puppy Time
The Cambridges cooed over a therapy puppy during a January 2022 visit.
Four Legged Friends Cutest Photos Royals Meeting Animals Through Years Prince William Kate Middleton
Credit: Ben Birchall/WPA Pool/Shutterstock
The Goats
Will and Kate pet baby goats during a Welsh outing in March 2022.
Four Legged Friends Cutest Photos Royals Meeting Animals Through Years Princess Anne
Credit: BIANCA DE MARCHI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Moo!
During an Australian tour, Princess Anne — who is married to Sir Timothy Laurence — posed with a cow in April 2022.
Four Legged Friends Cutest Photos Royals Meeting Animals Through Years Prince William Kate Middleton
Credit: Chris Jackson/Pool/Shutterstock
No Phobias Here
The Berkshires, England, native held a hairy tarantula during a September 2021 appearance in Northern Ireland. The spider was named Charlotte, just like Kate’s daughter.
Four Legged Friends Cutest Photos Royals Meeting Animals Through Years Queen Elizabeth II Prince Philip
Credit: The Royal Family/YouTube
It’s Bananas
The queen and the Duke of Edinburgh marveled at elephants in April 2017.
Four Legged Friends Cutest Photos Royals Meeting Animals Through Years Kate Middleton Prince William
Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
A Petting Zoo
Babies and bilbies! Nearly one year after his birth, Prince George joined his parents during an Australia tour. There, he met a bilby, named in his honor, at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.
Four Legged Friends Cutest Photos Royals Meeting Animals Through Years Meghan Markle Prince Harry
Credit: Shutterstock
A Koala-ty Visit
The military veteran and the Bench author — who share son Archie and daughter Lilibet — were excited to meet the four-legged creature during their 2018 Australia tour stop.
Four Legged Friends Cutest Photos Royals Meeting Animals Through Years Prince William Kate Middleton
Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
No Tall Order
Will and Kate fed giraffes in Sydney, Australia, in April 2014.
Four Legged Friends Cutest Photos Royals Meeting Animals Through Years Prince Charles
Credit: Shutterstock
No Llama Drama Here!
Prince Charles got up close and personal with a llama during a June 2017 public outing in Ipswich, England.
Four Legged Friends Cutest Photos Royals Meeting Animals Through Years Queen Elizabeth II
Credit: The Royal Family/YouTube
Welcome to the Farm
The sovereign met ducks, chickens, pigs, rabbits and guinea pigs while touring Scotland’s Gorgie City Farm in July 2019.
Four Legged Friends Cutest Photos Royals Meeting Animals Through Years Prince Charles
Credit: Oli Scarff/WPA Pool/Shutterstock
A Lot of Livestock
The Prince of Wales, who is married to Duchess Camilla, met several sheep and rare-breed cattle in July 2021.
Editor's P/S:
The interactions between the British royals and animals are not only adorable but also heartwarming. It shows a compassionate side to the family, and it's clear that they enjoy spending time with animals. The article also highlights the importance of animal therapy, especially for those working in stressful environments such as hospitals.
It's also interesting to note the variety of animals that the royals have met, from therapy dogs to penguins. This shows that they are open to meeting all kinds of animals, and they are not afraid to get up close and personal. I think this is a great example for others, and it shows that we should all be more open to meeting new animals.
