The Special Meaning Behind Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s New Dog’s Name

Remember when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle rescued a black Labrador shortly after their May 2018 wedding? Well, we finally know the special meaning behind the dog’s name.

In the new tell-all book, Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family, authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand discuss the family’s newish four-legged addition. Although Prince Harry and Markle had yet to reveal the dog’s name, Scobie and Durand confirm they named her “Pula,” according to People magazine.

The moniker pays tribute to Botswana, Africa, which is a go-to vacation spot for Prince Harry and Markle. Not only is “Pula” the country’s official currency, but it also means “rain” in Setswana. (Since precipitation is rare in Botswana, it’s considered a blessing.)

Botswana holds a special place in Prince Harry in Markle’s heart. Prince Harry surprised Markle for her 36th birthday by taking her on a remote vacation to the African country, where they slept under the stars. They also visited Botswana right before their 2017 engagement and again on their 1st wedding anniversary.

Not to mention, Markle’s engagement ring features a trio of diamonds: one large Botswana diamond in the center, surrounded by two smaller diamonds from the late Princess Diana’s private collection.

Prince Harry and Markle adopted Pula in the summer of 2018, shortly after they tied the knot at St. George’s Chapel. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex hadn’t publicly discussed the dog’s name, though they previously joked that “people keep getting her name wrong.”

The royal couple are also parents to a son named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, along with a Beagle named Guy.

Pleased to meet you, Pula.