Princess Michael of Kent: The Royal Family’s Sole Cat Lover

INTRO:

       You and I, as well as everyone else in the UK, are aware of the British royal family's well-known love for dogs as pets.From Queen Elizabeth II's well-known corgis to the Labrador retrievers and spaniels of the current royal family, dogs have long been a part of royal life, as we all know. But what about cats, or felines? There are relatively few cat enthusiasts in the royal family, save from Princess Michael of Kent. It was only during my study for this blog article that I became aware of this myself. Princess Michael is the only cat lover in a family full of dog enthusiasts. Let's examine some of the more eccentric royal pets as well as her particular fondness for cats and breed preferences.

Outlines:

• Princess Michael of Kent: The Royal Family’s Sole Cat Lover
• A Glimpse into Her Country Life with Cats
• The Royal Family’s History with Cats
• Unusual Royal Pets
• Conclusion

Princess Michael of Kent: The Royal Family’s Sole Cat Lover:

Who Is Princess Michael of Kent?

Princess Michael of Kent, born Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz, joined the British royal family through her marriage to Prince Michael of Kent, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. The couple tied the knot in Vienna in 1978 and have two children, Lord Frederick Windsor and Lady Gabriella Windsor. Known for her glamorous style, Princess Michael has an affinity for luxury and elegance, a penchant that extends to her choice of pets. Unlike most royals who favor dogs, Princess Michael has always had a soft spot for cats, particularly Siamese and Burmese breeds. Over the years, she’s become quite known for her feline companions, often photographed with them in striking portraits.

A Birthday Portrait with a Feline Friend

To celebrate Princess Michael's 70th birthday in January 2015, the palace released a striking photo of her posing with one of her beloved cats, wearing an exquisite pearl and diamond tiara. The image showcased not only her love for cats but also her sense of poise and style, seamlessly combining royalty and her unique personality. This public embrace of her feline companions set her apart as the only senior royal known to prefer cats over dogs, reflecting her independent spirit and close bond with her pets.

A Glimpse into Her Country Life with Cats:

Life at Nether Lypiatt Manor

Princess Michael’s life with her cats extends beyond royal engagements and official portraits. She has been photographed at her former residence, Nether Lypiatt Manor, accompanied by her feline friends. Her cats became part of her family’s everyday life, adding charm to the picturesque country estate that served as the family’s home before they moved to Apartment 10 at Kensington Palace. Known for her love of animals, Princess Michael has also kept horses and dogs, but her passion for cats remains unmatched among British royals.

The Royal Family’s History with Cats:

Prince Leopold and Snowdrop

Although Princess Michael is the only current royal to own cats, she’s not the first in British royal history to keep feline companions. Prince Leopold, Queen Victoria’s youngest son, had a beloved white cat named Snowdrop. According to records from the Royal Collection Trust, Snowdrop was even photographed in 1856 by William Bambridge. Prince Leopold’s choice of pet was quite unusual for the time, and it highlighted the royal family’s brief connection to cats in an era dominated by dogs. While Snowdrop’s legacy may be obscure today, this historical detail reveals that, despite their preference for dogs, there has always been a small place for cats within the British monarchy.

Modern Royals and Their Dogs

The current generation of royals are largely devoted to their canine friends. For example, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, welcomed their beloved Cocker Spaniel, Lupo, in 2012. Lupo, a cherished member of their family even before the birth of their children, became a public favorite and often appeared in family photos, symbolizing the close bond the couple shares with their pets. Similarly, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are proud owners of two rescue dogs, Guy and Pula, who are part of their family in California. The royal love for dogs runs deep, spanning generations and different branches of the family.

Unusual Royal Pets:

Prince Edward’s Tortoise

While dogs may dominate the royal household, some royals have shown an appreciation for more unconventional pets. The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, recently shared a delightful insight into his family’s home life, revealing that he and his wife, Sophie, have a pet tortoise. According to Prince Edward, the tortoise “basically rules the house,” showing that even in the royal family, pets are often beloved and indulged by their owners. This unique addition to the royal menagerie highlights the diverse tastes and personalities among the royals when it comes to choosing pets.

Conclusion:

In the world of British royalty, where dogs have long reigned supreme, Princess Michael of Kent’s love for cats makes her truly unique. As the only senior royal with a known preference for feline companions, she brings a refreshing variety to the family’s pet choices. From the historical presence of Snowdrop, Prince Leopold’s cherished cat, to Princess Michael’s Burmese and Siamese cats, there remains a small but enduring connection between the British monarchy and cats. While other royals may opt for more traditional pets like dogs and even tortoises, Princess Michael’s cats represent her individuality and distinct taste within the royal family. In a lineage of devoted dog lovers, Princess Michael’s feline friends are a rare and charming exception, making her a one-of-a-kind royal in a family of proud pet owners.