James Middleton expressed his admiration for Prince William, describing him as a “wonderful support” during the early stages of his sister, the Princess of Wales’s, relationship with the future king. At 37, James reflected on the sudden attention his family faced when Kate and William began dating after meeting in university.
He admitted that he felt considerable “pressure” during that time due to being in a “vulnerable state of mind.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged William’s efforts to shield the Middleton family from the intense scrutiny that accompanied their newfound fame.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, he stated, “William did everything in his power to protect us from the overwhelming interest surrounding Catherine and her family. It added to my stress, given my fragile state back then.”
Prince William’s efforts to protect the Middleton family from intense media scrutiny are fondly remembered by James Middleton, who was in a “vulnerable state of mind” at the time
Now happily married to Alizée Thevenet and a father to 11-month-old Inigo, James was honored when asked to read a passage from the Bible at William and Catherine’s wedding, a moment broadcasted to an audience of 162 million globally. He described the experience as a privilege, emphasizing that the anticipation felt much like any other family wedding.
Reflecting on the royal wedding, he noted, “I had never witnessed a royal wedding before, and there hadn’t been one of this scale during my lifetime. I didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of the event. What mattered to me was that my sister wanted me to participate, and I was determined to honor that.”
Additionally, James shared a poignant moment from his memoir, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, recalling the instant he recognized his sister’s deep love for William. While walking in Battersea Park, he realized their connection was profound.
He wrote, “I felt fortunate that William was marrying my grounded and capable sister. Seeing their love reassured me, especially as he brought out her confidence. She truly blossomed, and I knew he would care for her, which he continues to do.”
