Prince William and Kate Middleton defended after PETA criticism

A photo posted for Prince William's birthday, meant to warm hearts, but ended up stirring controversy.

Back in June, Prince William shared a sweet family snapshot for his 43rd birthday, sitting barefoot on the grass, surrounded by the couple’s cocker spaniel Orla, and her litter of puppies. 

But the image drew unexpected backlash from animal rights group PETA, who slammed the royal couple for breeding dogs amid a global shelter crisis.

Calling them "staggeringly out of touch," PETA criticised William and Kate for “churning out a litter” when animal shelters are “overflowing with puppies desperate for a second chance at a loving home.”

Now, the backlash has a backlash.

Campaign group PETA Watch is urging major brands like Unilever, The Body Shop, and Ecotricity to reconsider supporting PETA. 

Adviser Brian Monteith called the attack on the royals “crass” and “despicable,” especially given Princess Kate’s current cancer recovery.

“To try to capitalise on the most difficult time in her life for publicity is despicable,” Monteith told the Daily Express. “That PETA did not apologise to the Princess of Wales tells you everything.”

“Corporations should not be giving PETA a gloss of credibility,” he said, urging them to instead support organisations that run shelters or conservation efforts.

In response, PETA defended its stance, saying it’s their mission to educate consumers and push corporations toward cruelty-free practices. 

A spokesperson dismissed PETA Watch as a “sneaky group backed by animal-abusive industries.”

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