James Middleton has spoken candidly about seeking parenting wisdom from his elder sisters, the Princess of Wales and Pippa Matthews, in a new interview.
The 38-year-old, who welcomed son Inigo with wife Alizée Thevenet in September 2023, revealed that both siblings remain readily accessible when he needs guidance.
“They’re definitely at the end of the phone if we need a bit of advice,” he said.
Beyond practical tips, Mr Middleton emphasised the reassurance his sisters provide during the anxious moments of parenthood.
Princess Kate and Pippa ‘at the end of the phone’ for James Middleton as he seeks advice
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GETTY
“Also, it’s the confidence [they give me],” he explained. “You’re always on edge with being a parent, particularly this time of year with coughs and colds and sniffles going around the place.”
The Berkshire-based entrepreneur noted the support flows both ways, with his sisters turning to him for canine advice.
Mr Middleton revealed that his two-year-old son benefits from clothing passed down from his royal cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as well as from Mrs Matthews’ three children.
“One of the wonderful things about being the youngest [sibling] and having children last is that there is an abundance of paraphernalia that comes in very handy,” he said.
Princess Kate and Pippa Middleton are very close | PA
Mrs Matthews shares son Arthur Michael William and daughters Grace Elizabeth Jane and Rose Louise Victoria with husband James Matthews.
The toddler is also being raised bilingually, with his French-born mother speaking exclusively in her native tongue whilst James communicates solely in English.
“He’s in that sort of Duolingo aspect of [being] slightly slower in speaking, but sentences will be half-French, half-English. It’s wonderful to watch,” Mr Middleton shared.
The Middleton clan maintains a tight bond despite their varying commitments, gathering frequently as an extended family.
James Middleton walking arm in arm with his wife, Alizee Thevenet
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REUTERS“I think we’re really fortunate to be a very close family, and so we get together as a family relatively regularly, and love that opportunity,” Mr Middleton explained.
With seven grandchildren now in the family, these reunions offer ample opportunity for the cousins to forge lasting connections.
“There’s seven grandchildren, so six cousins for him, and it’s wonderful them spending time together and making memories,” he added.
Notably, young Inigo remains unaware of the royal standing of his Wales cousins. The family’s closeness was evident in Kate’s recent cancer recovery video, which featured her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, playing cards with the Waleses at Anmer Hall.
Inigo Middleton, photographed by his father, James Middleton
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INSTAGRAM: JAMES MIDDLETON
The story of how Mr Middleton met Ms Thevenet traces back to his beloved cocker spaniel Ella, who died in January 2023.
In 2018, whilst Mr Middleton was recovering from clinical depression, Ella wandered over to Ms Thevenet’s table at a London private members’ club.
When James approached to retrieve his dog, the French-born financial analyst spotted a menu in his hand and assumed he was staff, promptly ordering a sauvignon blanc and a pinot noir.
She only discovered her mistake upon receiving a note explaining that Mr Middleton had settled her bill and included his phone number. The couple married three years later.
“If that moment hadn’t been seized, I wouldn’t have met my wife, I wouldn’t have my beautiful son. And my life could have taken a very different turn,” he reflected.