Even casual followers of royal news are likely aware that Kate Middleton's brother, James, has a couple of dogs. His old hound, Ella, holds a special place in his heart, and his new dog, Ora, has recently made headlines. In his latest memoir, James claims that one of Ella’s descendants, which he gifted to William and Catherine, might have provided comfort to his sister during her recent cancer diagnosis.
According to a new biography, James reflects on his academic journey, revealing that he had to retake his A-level chemistry course four times while studying at the prestigious Marlborough College in Wiltshire, the same institution his sister attended. He recalls a moment of distress for their mother, Carole, after his father remarked that the hefty price tag of a private education felt like a waste of money. This concern arose as Carole and her husband, Michael, debated whether their son James's £32,000-a-year education was worth the substantial fee they were paying.
James writes, “After a year of resisting my A-levels, I scraped into Edinburgh University with the minimum permitted grades. Mom and Dad just wanted the best for me.” Today, he chooses to avoid criticizing either his school or his loving parents, stating that he learned valuable survival skills at Marlborough.
The relationship between Prince William and his brother Harry has become notably strained over the years, attracting intense media scrutiny. This estrangement has led the Prince of Wales to forge stronger connections with his brother-in-law, James, who has played a significant role in William’s life, helping to fill the void left by Harry. A prominent royal biographer has noted that William finds solace in his close ties with the Middleton family, a connection that deepened during his time at St. Andrews University, where his relationship with Kate blossomed.
William has grown so close to the Middleton family that he fondly refers to Michael Middleton as “Dad.” In return, James has expressed his admiration for William, describing him as the big brother he never had. He has consistently supported their relationship, which has strengthened their bond further. Sharing anecdotes about his connection with William, James has noted that William's presence in their lives has fostered a genuine sense of brotherhood.
In his memoir, James writes about considering William as a big brother and how he has always trusted him to look after Kate. This view of William as an ideal partner for Kate is evident in his words, as he states, “It feels as if they were made for each other. William has been in our lives for so long; we've grown very fond of him. He feels like our older brother, and he and Catherine are clearly a good fit, just right for each other.”
James also mentions that his dog has been present during many significant moments in his life, including when he first met his wife, Alizee. This way, his memoir not only sheds light on his family life and his bond with William but also narrates a personal journey filled with love and loss. The relationship between Prince William and James Middleton exemplifies how family ties can provide support during challenging times. While William's relationship with Harry faces considerable hurdles, his closeness with the Middleton family offers him a refuge of solace and emotional connection.
When Kate was seen in public for the first time after her surgery and hospitalization in January, her mother, Carole Middleton, was by her side. Just two weeks later, she was spotted in the passenger seat of a car driven by Carole. In July, Kate publicly announced her cancer diagnosis, making only her second public appearance since revealing her illness at Wimbledon, alongside her sister, Pippa Middleton Matthews, and her daughter, Princess Charlotte, one of her three children with William.
Royal watchers were not surprised to see Kate’s mom and sister supporting her during her recovery, given the close-knit nature of her family. After Kate’s cancer announcement, James shared a heartfelt message on Instagram: “Over the years, we’ve climbed many mountains together as a family, and we will climb this one with you too.”
