London - His biggest role to date has been to provide a loyal companion for Prince George.
But Lupo the cocker spaniel’s fame looks set to spread after an author came up with a series of children’s stories based on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s pet.
The Adventures of a Royal Dog: Lupo and the Secret of Windsor Castle will hit shops in September – with three further stories and merchandise to follow.
Kensington Palace says it has nothing to do with Aby King’s books. The privately-educated 38-year-old writer insists she has never met Kate or Lupo, but her recent social media postings about the pet suggest she has good sources. Miss King has now trademarked her Lupo character with an eye to cashing in on the merchandising market, putting his name on everything from toys to board games.
The move is particularly interesting given the Mail’s revelation earlier this year that the Duke and Duchess had set up firms to protect their “brand”. It enables the couple to sell officially-endorsed products and take action against anyone selling items that may harm their “image”.
Miss King said she took her inspiration for the tales from the walks she enjoys with her own spaniel, Lilly, in Kensington Gardens, where Lupo is also exercised.
Lupo came from a litter born to Kate’s family dog, Ella, in 2011 and was brought back to Kensington Palace at Christmas that year. Miss King’s series has been acquired in the UK by international giant Hodder Children’s Books.
In the first story Lupo is accused of a crime he did not commit – an attack on a swan, which are protected under the Queen’s charter. In his efforts to prove his innocence, he crosses paths with the dastardly corgi Vulcan – named after one of the Queen’s actual pets. Members of the Royal Family including William, Kate, George and the Queen, all make appearances in the book. Miss King said: “I started to think about what life as a royal puppy, with palaces and parks at your disposal, might be like. I began to see the scope for mystery and adventure.”
First-time author Miss King was just 14 when her mother, a successful model and actress in the 1960s, died of leukaemia. In 2008, her property developer fiancé shot himself five weeks before their wedding amid the collapse of his business empire.
Kensington Palace declined to comment on the book deal. - Daily Mail