Prince Harry’s comment back in February 2024 about how illness can bring families closer together? It seems that sentiment has resonated not just for him, but also for Prince William, King Charles III, and particularly for his sister-in-law, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, along with his sister, Pippa Matthews. This past week, instead of merely being best friends, Pippa has taken on a vital role in Catherine’s life, especially in light of her recent cancer diagnosis.**
Pippa is now helping to support Catherine during this challenging time, which comes as they prepare to celebrate her nephew Arthur Matthews' sixth birthday on Tuesday. This family gathering is sure to strengthen their bonds, especially following Catherine’s announcement that she has completed her chemotherapy treatment.
Pippa and her husband, hedge fund manager James Matthews, reside in the beautiful Berkshire countryside, where they raise their three children: Arthur, aged six, Grace, who is three, and two-year-old Rose. The Middleton family is tightly knit, with Pippa and James living near their parents, Carol and Michael Middleton, as well as Catherine’s younger brother, James Middleton, and his wife, Alize.
The Wales family, meanwhile, makes their home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, just a short drive away from their relatives. Catherine shares a close relationship with her siblings, Pippa and James, and is a loving aunt to their children. James has expressed how fond he is of his nieces and nephew, often commenting on their close-knit family dynamics and competitive spirit during games.
Since Catherine's cancer diagnosis was made public in March 2024, her family has rallied around her. The strong women in her life have played a crucial role in lifting her spirits. Pippa has emerged as a significant source of strength, offering both practical help and emotional support.
As sisters who are less than two years apart, Catherine and Pippa share a deep bond, united by their mutual love for fitness and sports. During their time at Marlborough College, they often engaged in the vibrant Chelsea social scene. Pippa has mentioned that despite the pressures of Catherine's royal duties, they maintain a normal sisterly relationship and can confide in each other whenever needed, reminiscent of the bond between Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret.
Though Pippa is the more outgoing of the two sisters, this dynamic allows her to provide unique support to Catherine in her royal role. Both sisters are passionate tennis fans and have been seen together in the Royal Box at Wimbledon multiple times over the years. Pippa was especially present during a recent outing at the championships, offering moral support while Prince William focused on supporting England’s football team in the Euros tournament.
Pippa has been a steadfast presence in Catherine’s life, attending her annual carol concert at Westminster Abbey every December. Notably, in December 2022, when Harry and Meghan's controversial Netflix series premiered on the same day as the concert, Pippa wore a burgundy outfit to show solidarity with Catherine during a particularly tense moment.
Through thick and thin, the bond between Catherine and Pippa has proven to be a source of strength and comfort as they navigate the challenges of life and family together.
