William sticks to controversial decision to comfort kids amid Kate's cancer

Prince William and Kate Middleton are putting their kids first, even if it means drawing criticism.

After animal rights organisation PETA slammed the Prince and Princess of Wales for breeding their Cocker Spaniel Orla and keeping her litter, sources clarified that the decision was made to cheer up their children — Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.

Orla, gifted to the family by Kate’s brother James Middleton in 2020, gave birth to four puppies in May. According to the Daily Mail, the couple hoped the litter would bring the children some comfort during Princess Catherine’s battle with cancer.

A source close to the Wales family told the outlet that Kate has been “to hell and back” and was “seriously unwell” before her surgery.

“As parents, there is always only so much we can keep from our children, particularly when it comes to physical illness,” reported the publication.

The backlash came after Kensington Palace released a photo of Prince William for his 43rd birthday. Taken by Kate in Windsor, the photo showed the future king sitting with Orla and three of her puppies.

But not everyone was charmed. PETA condemned the decision, calling the couple “staggeringly out of touch.”

Vice President Elisa Allen said, “Shelters here and worldwide are overflowing with puppies desperate for a second chance. Churning out a litter in the midst of this animal homelessness crisis is staggeringly out of touch.”