James Middleton shares rare photo of mum Carole with grandson Inigo amid family update

James Middleton, the brother of the Princess of Wales, has shared a rare photo of his mother, Carole, and his son, Inigo, in an Easter family update addressing his recent absence online.

The youngest of the Middleton siblings, James, 38, took to Instagram on Easter Sunday to share a sweet selection of pictures, including a snapshot of his two-year-old son, whom he shares with his wife, Alizée Thévenet.

Inigo was seen sporting an adorable pair of dungarees as he stood on a stone wall surrounded by dogs, while a video showed the toddler cycling down a country road alongside his mum, who ran beside him with one of the dogs on a lead.

In the final picture, James included an image of his mother, Carole, reading The Tale of Benjamin Bunny to her grandson.

James addresses his special media absence

In the caption of the post, James explained to worried fans why he had been absent from social media in recent months.

“We are back,” he began.  “Many of you have been asking if I am ok. I have been absent from social media for a while. The truth is, this Lent I decided to give up social media (and it was wonderful). Sometimes we don’t fully realise the pressure social media puts on us until we take a step back. 

© Instagram/@jmidy

“If I could offer one piece of advice for 2026, it would be to try it yourself; a week, a month, or even longer… Anyhow… we’re back! Alizée, Inigo, the dogs, and I are wishing you all a very Happy Easter and thank you for checking in on me.”

While James celebrated a quiet Easter with his wife, son and mother, Carole, his sister Kate stepped out with the wider royal family, led by King Charles and Queen Camilla, for an Easter service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. James and Kate also share a sister, Pippa, who is married to James Matthews and who has three children. 

© PA Images via Getty Images

James flooded with support

James was quickly flooded with support from his followers, who wished him a Happy Easter. “Happy Easter to you, Alizee, Inigo and all the pups!” wrote one person, while another said: “Thank you for your honest words. All the best for your family and the dogs. Best wishes from Munich.”

A third commended James for his candid update: “What wonderful photos of your beautiful family! That’s such a great thing to give up for Lent, and spending time with people and dogs you love is definitely far more important!”

How did James and Alizée first meet?

While James tied the knot with his wife in 2021, he met Alizée three years earlier at a private members’ club in London in 2018. Speaking exclusively to HELLO! about the special night, James reflected: “If that moment hadn’t been seized, I wouldn’t have met my wife, I wouldn’t have my beautiful son.”

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The pair married in Bormes-les-Mimosas, France, in a ceremony attended by James’s family, including his sister Kate, her husband Prince William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Despite having to postpone their big day twice due to the pandemic, James told HELLO! at the time: “We couldn’t be happier. It was wonderful to finally celebrate with family and friends despite the challenges of a global pandemic but we were relaxed and knew the day would eventually come.”