Before Kate Middleton raised her three children with Prince William, she grew up with her siblings, sister Pippa Middleton and brother James Middleton.
The Princess of Wales and her younger siblings are the three children of Michael and Carole Middleton, and they grew up together in the village of Bucklebury, England.
While much has changed for their family since childhood, James says he is proud of how his older sister has continued to “flourish” in her growing role within the royal family.
“I’m always amazed at how much she works, and that’s always at the forefront of my mind,” he said during an appearance at 2023. Good morning Britain. “But actually, to be honest, she’s my sister so I know all her quirks and everything.”
All about Kate Middleton’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton
In March 2024, Kate announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer after scheduled abdominal surgery. James publicly supported his sister on Instagram, writing: “We’ve climbed many mountains together over the years. As a family, we’ll climb this one with you.”
From their upbringing to their entry into the royal spotlight, here’s everything you need to know about Kate Middleton’s siblings, Pippa and James Middleton.
They grew up in Bucklebury, England
Kate Middleton with her dad Michael and sister Pippa in Jerash, Jordan.
Middleton Family/Clarence House/Getty
Following Kate’s arrival on 9 January 1982, Pippa was born on 6 September 1983. The family of four moved from Bradfield Southend, Berkshire, to Amman, Jordan, the following year. After returning to the UK in 1986, James joined the family on 15 April 1987.
The family later settled in the village of Bucklebury, a place that Princess Kate says contributed to her love of nature. The mother of three talked about their childhood during a guest appearance on the show in 2020 Happy mom, happy baby podcast.
After sharing that she enjoys spending time outside with her family, the royal explained: “I had a very happy childhood. It was great fun – I’m very happy, I come from a very strong family.”
She continued: “My parents were very devoted to us — my brothers and sisters. Now as a parent, I really appreciate how much they sacrificed for us.”
They were part of Kate’s wedding
Prince William and Kate Middleton on their wedding day, followed by Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton in April 2011 in London, England.
Kirsty Wigglesworth – WPA collection/Getty
Pippa and James were supporters on Kate and William’s wedding day on April 29, 2011.
Pippa caused a stir during the royal wedding after serving as maid of honor, helping her sister with her train as she arrived at Westminster Abbey for the ceremony. Pippa’s dress, also designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen like her sister, featured a plunging neckline in ivory crepe fabric and organza buttons down the back.
James read a Bible verse during the ceremony, calling people to live a peaceful and just life.
Pippa keeps her marriage and children a secret
James Matthews and Pippa Middleton attended the wedding of Princess Eugenie of York and Jack Brooksbank at St. George’s Chapel in October 2018 in Windsor, England.
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty
Pippa married her husband James Matthews on May 20, 2017, and they have three children: son Arthur Michael William and daughters Grace Elizabeth Jane and Rose Louise Victoria.
Although the couple try to keep their relationship and children out of the public eye, Pippa has occasionally spoken about juggling motherhood and her personal goals, including fitness.
Pippa Middleton and James Matthews Relationship Timeline
“Family life and motherhood have taken up a lot of my free time, and it’s not surprising that the challenges I’ve been successful in have taken a backseat,” she told fitness brand HOKA 2021. “Running and fitness are still part of my weekly routine, but not on level was before.”
“My run was more about babies and toddlers than crossing the finish line, which is good for me – for now!” added Pippa.
They are involved in charitable organizations
Pippa Middleton poses for a photo with her brother, James Middleton, after finishing the Race Across America in June 2014 in Annapolis, Maryland.
Paul Morigi/WireImage
Like their older sister, Pippa and James work with charities. Since 2014, Pippa has been an ambassador for the research charity The British Heart Foundation, which funds research into diseases of the heart and circulatory system and their causes.
When her ambassadorship was announced in 2014, Pippa spoke about how she hoped to raise awareness of the importance of heart health for women and disease prevention through healthy habits.
“I was shocked when I learned that almost three times more women die from coronary heart disease than from breast cancer. “I am passionate about raising awareness among women about this deadly disease and look forward to working with the BHF to educate women about the risks of heart disease and, more importantly, how they can reduce it,” she said in a statement at the time.
James has also started working with charities he is passionate about, including Pets as Therapy, where he serves as an ambassador after experiencing first-hand the “incredible impact” animals have.
“The charity does amazing work, bringing joy and comfort to animals in need, whether in hospitals, nursing homes, schools or other settings,” he said in his biography on the organisation’s website. “I am so grateful to be a part of such an important organization.”
In addition, he also helped open a center for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and Dogs Trust Cardiff and donated a puppy to Guide Dogs, which trains service dogs. In May 2023, his dog food company, James & Ella (formerly Ella & Co.), donated cold-pressed dog food to displaced dogs in Ukraine through K9 Rescue International.
“They’re a small team making a big difference, and I’m honored to have played a small part in their efforts,” he captioned an Instagram video of dogs in Ukraine enjoying food. “I am so grateful that there are organizations that go above and beyond to help support these innocent souls. Let’s keep making a difference, one bowl of food at a time.”
James married his wife in 2021
Alizee Thevenet and James Middleton attend the Bulgari Gala to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the unveiling of the ‘Jubilee Emerald Garden’ in July 2022 in London, England.
David M. Bennett/Dave Bennett/Getty
James married longtime girlfriend Alizée Thevenet on September 11, 2021, more than three years after they first met. For the French financial analyst, her “something borrowed” for the wedding had a special meaning for her husband and his family — it was his mother’s wedding dress!
“While discussing dresses with Carole and sharing ideas during quarantine in search of inspiration, I tried on her wedding dress and fell in love with it,” she revealed to Hello! magazine. “It fit me perfectly and was exactly what I wanted. It’s always bothered me that wedding dresses are only worn once, so it was amazing to give such a beautiful dress a second life.”
After announcing that they were pregnant in the summer, the couple became parents for the first time when their son Inigo was born in October 2023.
“No matter how prepared I thought I was… I was not prepared for the overwhelming emotion of meeting Iniga for the first time and the love for my dear Alizée when we became three,” the proud new dad wrote on Instagram while sharing photos of the newborn.
They attend royal events
Pippa and James Middleton arrive at the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in May 2023 in London, England.
Andrew Milligan – WPA collection/Getty
Princess Kate’s sister and brother often appear at royal events, both formal and casual. In May 2023, they were both present at Westminster Abbey for the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla with their parents.
The family were also on hand to support Kate at the first royal Christmas carol concert in 2021. The Middleton family sat front and center during the event, which honored the work of British individuals and organizations who supported their communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pippa and James have also been making frequent appearances on the stands of the Wimbledon tennis championships most summers, together or with loved ones.
They support each other
Kate Middleton with her sister Pippa Middleton at the 2012 Wimbledon Championships tennis tournament.
LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty
Despite their busy schedules, Kate and Pippa found time to support their brother when he was going through a difficult time. After the loss of his beloved cocker spaniel, Ella, who he believed saved his life, his sisters were there to support him.
“Everyone knew how much she meant to me, and there was a day they dreaded the most: the day Ella was no longer in my life. And she meant something to all of them,” James wrote in a dedicated essay published in The Sunday Times.
James, who has been open about his battle with depression, added of Kate and Pippa: “My sisters have come to some of my therapy sessions. They’ve always been there for me through the hard times and they’ve been there for me through the good times.”
He also said his loved ones attended Ella’s funeral and that her influence will live on through her puppies, many of whom remain in the family.
“The whole family came to say goodbye. I can’t speak for them, but I believe she had an impact on their lives too,” he wrote. “Lupo, Catherine and William’s dog, was one of Ella’s puppies. My sister Pippa and her husband have a puppy from Ella, as do other family members.”
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Source: HIS Education