Prince William's birthday portrait sparks major debate as PETA issues brutal statement towards royal family

Prince William's birthday portrait has sparked a pretty heated debate online after PETA issued a scathing statement towards the Royal Family.

Last week (21 June), the Princess of Wales took to Instagram to share a snap of her husband sitting on a field with their English Cocker Spaniel, Orla, and three of the dog's puppies.

The post was captioned: "Happy birthday! Love C, G, C, L, Orla and the puppies! [paw print emoji]."

The future king could be seen donning a pair of dark-wash blue denim jeans and a dark green button-down shirt playing with the litter of pups while Orla, who the couple welcomed to their home back in 2020, walked behind him.

While the newest additions to the Wales family were reportedly born in May, William's 43rd birthday portrait was the first look royal fans had at the adorable animals.

Prince William turned 43 on Saturday (21 June) and his birthday post has sparked quite the debate (Mark Cuthbert / Contributor / Getty Images)

While many gushed over the snap, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has since criticised the royal couple for 'churning out a litter' amid an animal homelessness crisis.

In a statement issued earlier today (26 June), Elisa Allen, vice president of programmes at the charity, said: "The Prince and Princess of Wales should know that shelters here and worldwide are overflowing with puppies desperate for a second chance at a loving home, and that churning out a litter in the midst of this animal homelessness crisis is staggeringly out of touch."

Referencing King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla adopting a puppy called Moley from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home back in February, Elisa added: "If William is going to lead, he might well take a lesson from King Charles and Queen Camilla, who have chosen to adopt from a shelter rather than contribute to the problem."

PETA's statement has since triggered a discussion online with some people agreeing with the non-profit organisation.

PETA called out the royals for 'churning out a litter' amid an animal homelessness crisis (Instagram/@‌princeandprincessofwales)

One Instagram user penned: "Please don't breed dogs. Adopt from the shelter. Save a life."

"Why not adopt homeless puppies???" hit out a second.

Others, however, couldn't have disagreed more.

"To all the people slamming the prince and princess. It's none of your business what they do with their dogs," defended a third. "These puppies will be given the best of everything and more importantly the puppies will help the kids and Kate and William. You both are amazing. We love you both."

And a final fan echoed: "Your puppies are beautiful don't listen to them they are well-loved and looked after."

Speaking of Orla, William once exposed quite the rare detail about his sleeping arrangements with Kate in a very unexpected bedroom admission.

It came after he reportedly stopped to pet a wellwisher's dog during a visit to Duchy College in Cornwall.

Louise Harland told Hits Radio Cornwall that William stroked her dog, Jacks, and revealed to her that Orla often sleeps on the bed alongside him and his missus.

"[William] said that his little dog sleeps on the bed with them at night, with him and Kate," Louise claimed.

"[He was] absolutely in love with my little dog. He asked what breed he was and he's never met one of those breeds, he's a Cockerjack, so he's a little bit of a unique combination."

Tyla has reached out to Kensington Palace for a comment.