The Embarrassing Way Prince George and Princess Charlotte Helped Introduce Uncle James Middleton’s Now-Wife to Their Parents
Spoiler alert: There were lots of giggles and bedhead.
Kate Middleton's brother, James Middleton, shares plenty of touching stories about his famous family in his upcoming memoir, "Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life," but among the heartwarming tales is the hilarious account of how his sister and Prince William met their future sister-in-law.
In an excerpt from the book shared by The Daily Mail on Sept. 15, James shared the accidental way his then-girlfriend, Alizée Thevenet, met the Wales family while wearing nothing but his shirt.
The royal sibling explained that he'd brought Thevenet to a wedding near his parents' house in Bucklebury, England during the summer of 2018, when the couple made an "on impulse" decision to sleep at the Middleton family home.
"We let ourselves in and tiptoe around in the dark, not wanting to wake anyone, then catch a few hours' sleep before I'm woken at 7:30 a.m. by giggling at the bedroom door," James wrote.
The source of the laughs? None other than Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
James explained he "hadn't realized" the kids—along with their then-baby brother, Prince Louis, and parents the Prince and Princess of Wales— were "staying for the weekend."
Since his girlfriend was "still sound asleep," James guided the kids to the kitchen to join their parents, who were "drinking their early morning tea." But while James made a cup to take upstairs to Thevenet, she intercepted him—and got quite the surprise.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"She has just got out of bed, her hair still tousled, and she is wearing one of my shirts. In situations like this, Alizée is wonderfully French. She does not panic or rush upstairs to get dressed," the author penned.
And while most people would probably want to crawl into a hole meeting their boyfriend's family (let alone the Royal Family) in such an ensemble, Thevenet took the moment in stride.
In his book, James wrote that his girlfriend greeted "everyone warmly as if it's not remotely unusual to be meeting her boyfriend's sister and brother-in-law for the first time wearing only an oversized man's shirt."
As for Princess Charlotte and Prince George, they launched into "asking all kinds of cheeky questions at 100 miles per hour" such as "Who is this lady?" and "Is she your girlfriend?"
"So I tell Charlotte and George, yes, she is my girlfriend and introduce her to them, then we are all talking and laughing as if she has been part of the family for years," James wrote, adding his parents came home later in the day and they all went for a walk.
"When we all hug goodbye I get a special squeeze from Catherine, who whispers in my ear, 'She's just great,'" James shared.
Along with the early days of his relationship, James also wrote about the moment when he found out his sister would marry the future king in Meet Ella, along with how the couple helped him through his depression.
Awkward first meetings aside, Thevenet would go on to marry James Middleton in 2021, surrounded by his "cheeky" niece and nephews and the rest of his family.
"All my stars have aligned: Alizee is perfect for me and my family adores her," James penned.
Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.
Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.
Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.
-
Katie Holmes Crowns Two New Winter Essentials: A Cozy Patchwork Shearling Coat and These Wildly Popular $195 ‘80s-Inspired Sneakers
The winter jacket watch continues with the actor's cozy jacket and the latest new It shoe.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Now Is Not the Time for A Wild Closet Clean Out—Try This Instead
You'll thank me later.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
Katie Holmes Perfects the Cool-Girl Weekend Uniform
Shop her laid-back footwear here.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Princess Charlotte Didn't Wear an $1,800 Necklace Designed by Prince Harry's Ex on Christmas—But Did She Rock a $13 One Instead?
The 9-year-old wore a crystal choker that looks like one from her mom's favorite high street brand.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
The Surprising Word Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis's Nanny "Is Banned" From Using
It's not what you might expect.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Kate Middleton Won't Let the "Looming Responsibility" of Becoming Queen "Take Her Away" From Her Children
The Princess of Wales is putting her kids before the monarchy.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton's Decision About Prince George's Future School Is "Pretty Much Sealed"
But a royal expert just predicted an "ideal" option for all *three* Wales kids.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Have a More Normal 2025 in Store—and Could Get "Spoiled" a Bit, Too
Sounds like the Wales kids might be in for some fun this year.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Kate Middleton Didn't Seem Very Pleased When Queen Camilla Instructed Her How to Take Care of Princess Charlotte and Prince George
"Take her!"
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
How Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Overcame a "Very Frightening" Year Due to Princess Kate's Cancer Diagnosis
"They're bound by the situation they're in."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton and Her Siblings Reunited Over the Holidays so Their Children Could "Spend Time Together"
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis remain close to their cousins, Princess Kate's brother has revealed.
By Amy Mackelden Published