PHOTOS: Prince William and Kate's Original Royal Baby: Lupo!

See how the couple’s true firstborn – their adorable cocker spaniel – has prepared them for parenthood
By People Staff
Updated July 22, 2013 09:00 PM

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OH, BABY!

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Practice makes perfect? Before she welcomed her son with on July 22, kept her hands full with pup Lupo. The couple was first photographed with the cocker spaniel in January of 2012, and he’s already had plenty of experience around little ones, including 2½-year-old Savannah Phillips (daughter of Will’s cousin, Peter).

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BEACH BUDDY

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Just a few months after the royals welcome the little dog into their lives, he develops a taste for the finer things, like leisurely strolls on beautiful beaches.

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SAND DUDE

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Lupo comes from a litter “with a close family connection,” according to a palace source. More importantly, it seems the pup has quickly become a part of the royal family.

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KENSINGTON CANINE

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There’s so much to sniff and do! Lupo puts his nose to the ground during a walk through Kensington Gardens. Think he’ll show the royal baby around?

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MOMMY & ME

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While hanging out at a charity polo match, the affectionate pooch reaches up for a kiss from Kate, who bends down to help her still-small puppy.

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STRONG 'WILL'-ED

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“Lupo seemed to get as much attention from the people at the presentation as William and Harry,” said one observer at the polo match – and some of that attention is from William himself.

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DASHING DUO

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, not one to be left out, shares a private nuzzle with Lupo (a.k.a. the luckiest dog in the world).

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LEAD THE WAY

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He’s free to go off-leash sometimes, but Lupo is still learning the ropes – with his leash on.

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GETTING TO NOSE YOU

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Being so closely linked to the senior royals makes Lupo impervious to lowbrow sniffing from other dogs.

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JUMP FOR JOY

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If you were Lupo, wouldn’t you be skipping, too? He’s a big brother to a baby boy!

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