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Prince & Princess of Wales

The Duchess of Cambridge’s kiss from Alfie on a day out in Lancashire

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a new four-legged friend in Lancashire on Thursday.

The couple visited Clitheroe Community Hospital to meet with healthcare workers. They met with several staff members to discuss the challenges that rural healthcare workers and medical centres are facing during the global health crisis. 

William and Catherine met future therapy dog, Alfie. The Duke and the Duchess held the curly-haired cockapoo as they learned about how he will provide canine therapy for both patients and staff at the hospital.

As reported in the Daily Mail, she reportedly said: “You are so sweet! You match my coat!” He responded by giving Catherine nuzzles, enjoying the royal attention. Alfie will be joining six-year-old Jasper on the canine therapy team.

After the death of their beloved first dog, Lupo, the couple received a cocker spaniel from the Duchess’s brother, who breeds dogs. While their new dog’s name has yet to be revealed, the Duchess did say that the dog would be excited to smell Alfie on them.

The Duke and Duchess toured the hospital to meet with patients and to thank the staff for their dedication and hard work over the last two years. With smaller staffing numbers and fewer resources than major hospitals, rural hospitals like Clitheroe are continually being stretched. 

This is the couple’s first visit to Clitheroe. After visiting the hospital and meeting Alfie, they visited Church on the Street in Burnley to meet with Pastor Mick Fleming and to speak with him about his community work. 

While there, they met with Trudi and Alastair Barrie, as well as their young daughter, Anastasia. Catherine was thrilled to hold Anastasia, and William joked that they shouldn’t give her any more ideas about children. 

After a break for the holidays, the couple are back to regular engagements. On Wednesday, they visited the Foundling Museum in London to learn about the museum’s history and about the experiences of youth in the care system today. 

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Historian and blogger at AnHistorianAboutTown.com