James Middleton opens up on surprise gesture Kate and William made on the eve of his wedding

James Middleton, Princess Kate and Prince William

James Middleton opens up on surprise gesture Kate and William made on the eve of his wedding

Getty / Instagram
Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 01/10/2024

- 16:29

The Princess of Wales's brother married Alizee Thevent in 2021

James Middleton opened up about a surprise gesture that Princess Kate and Prince William made on the eve of his wedding.

The 37-year-old described the heartwarming gesture from the Princess of Wales, who surprised him and his wife Alizée Thevenet by attending their pre-wedding meal in 2021.


The younger brother of Princess Kate shared the touching details in his new memoir titled Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life.

In the book, James doted on his family and touched on the meanings behind his son's first name, Inigo.

James Middleton, Princess Kate and Prince WilliamJames Middleton opens up on surprise gesture Kate and William made on the eve of his weddingGetty / Instagram

James, who recently spoke on supporting his older sister through her cancer diagnosis, also wrote in his memoir of the occasion when Kate and William attended his pre-wedding meal.

He said: "To our huge surprise and delight, however, they [the Prince and Princess of Wales] arrive on Friday evening, earlier than planned, to join in the pre-wedding meal."

James continued: "We want them to be able to relax without fear of intrusion, and it is challenging because the restaurant where we eat is quite exposed.

"But – thanks in part to our low-key, last-minute plans – no paparazzi find us."

James Middleton and Alizee ThevenetJames Middleton and Alizee Thevenet married in 2021PA

He told Hello!: "It was wonderful to finally celebrate with family and friends despite the challenges of a global pandemic, but we were relaxed and knew the day would eventually come."

During the promotion of his book, James continued to tell the publication that the Middletons are a very "close" family.

Reflecting on how they have supported Kate through her cancer diagnosis earlier this year, he said: "We are certainly a close family that goes through things together.

"That was the experience I had through my challenges, and I certainly feel like it's something that her [Kate's] family and our family are doing too."

Prince William and James MiddletonPrince William and James Middleton photographed together in 2017Getty
Kate Middleton and James MiddletonKate and James Middleton photographed together in 2007Getty

He added: "I know how much the dogs, for me, have helped in taking your mind off something.

"So I'm certain that for them, Orla is doing her job in supporting her family."

James and Alizee tied the knot in the Côte d'Azur village of Bormes-les-Mimosas in September 2021 and welcomed Inigo last year.

Kate's brother released a new memoir Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life on September 26.

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