Meet the Prince

One of the great things about VOA senior housing is that people are allowed to have pets. Nothing brings a smile like seeing the furry residents during the day. One of the favorites at Bayview Heights is Prince Harry, a young kitty that is leash trained.

Prince Harry’s human’s name is Trudie. Last year when Trudie was going through a rough patch with depression someone suggested she get a pet. She went to a local shelter and found a cat that she immediately knew needed to be named Prince Harry. However, she texted her grandchildren to help pick a name, the winner would receive $10. After a few choices were given she went with her first instinct and named her new feline friend Prince Harry. After all, she loves all the Royal family goings-on and follows them on social media. Prince Harry, the kitty, pulled her out of depression and became an instant star at Bayview Heights as she walked him around on his leash.

Feline Prince Harry was so named not only because of his red hair and his red "beard" but because Trudie knew of Prince Harry’s struggle with depression. Trudie wanted to share her story with the Royal Family and wrote to Buckingham Palace and told them that she named her new kitty after the Prince as she “really believes in help for mental illness”. She sent a picture of the cat prince as well.

After some time has passed Trudie knew that she wasn’t going to get a letter back from the Royal Family but “it would be fun if I did!” she exclaimed. Around Thanksgiving, she was getting the mail and the only thing in her mailbox was an envelope with the Buckingham Palace seal. She went throughout the house and told everyone, and they were equally excited to see stationary from Buckingham Palace and the note inside! The letter read:

Dear Miss McLellan,

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have asked me to thank you for your recent card and the lovely picture of your cat.

It is very kind of you to take the trouble to write as you did. Their Royal Highnesses greatly appreciate your thoughtful message, and were delighted to hear you are so contented at the present time, having battled with depression in the past.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have asked me to send you their warmest thanks and their best wishes to you for your future happiness and wellbeing.

Yours Sincerely,

Claudia Spens

The Office of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

While sharing the letter with friends Trudie joked, “I can’t sit with you, I’m Royal now!” Kitty Prince Harry is living his best life at Bayview Heights with Trudie and you can see the pair walking the halls together. Trudie also reached out to share the story with the animal shelter that she adopted Prince Harry from.