Kate Middleton has a big reason to celebrate as royal family prepares for explosive book release

It’s been a challenging month for the royal family. 

First came Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s shock decision to  move back to the UK. Then came the news that Charles Spencer was releasing an explosive biography about the life and death of his sister, Princess Diana.

In the face of these bombshells, it has been business as usual for King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The leading royals have put personal issues to one side and ploughed on with the royal duties, with the Waleses recently enjoying a trip together to the Isle of Bude, where they charmed locals and get involved in a range of activities, from playing shinty, to litter picking and riding on a tractor.

Time for family celebrations

There came another welcome distraction on Monday.  Princess Kate’s nephew, Inigo Gabriel Middleton, celebrated his third birthday. 

Inigo is the only child of James Middleton, Kate’s younger brother, and his wife, Alizée Thévenet. He was born at Basingstoke Hospital on September 21, 2023.

In an Instagram post announcing the happy news, James said: “No matter how prepared I thought I was…I was not prepared for the overwhelming emotion of meeting Inigo for the first time and the love for my darling Alizee as we became three.”

The Middleton family bond

The Princess will no doubt have found a way to celebrate the little boy’s third birthday. The Middleton family are incredibly close, with Kate sharing a very special bond with both James and their sister, Pippa. 

Prince William highlighted the Middletons’ closeness in his 2010 engagement interview, saying: “Kate’s got a very, very close family. I get on really well with them and I’m very lucky that they’ve been so supportive.”

In contrast, the House of Windsor has spent the past several years navigating family fractures, scandal and the fallout from the Sussexes’ interviews and Prince Harry’s tell-all memoir, Spare. But  the Middletons have built a reputation for steadfast loyalty with matriarch Carole Middleton once saying: “Over the years; it’s proved wise not to say anything.”

Regular get-togethers with Princess Kate

During a 2025 interview, James touched on his special bond with Princess Kate. “We’re really fortunate to be a very close family, and so we get together as a family relatively regularly, and love that opportunity,” he told HELLO!.

“One of the wonderful things about being the youngest [sibling] and having children last is that there is an abundance of paraphernalia that comes in very handy,” James says.  “Also, it’s the confidence [they give me]. You’re always on edge with being a parent, particularly this time of year with coughs and colds and sniffles going around the place. 

“They’re definitely at the end of the phone if we need a bit of advice. And equally, they know that I’m on the end of the phone if they need a bit of advice on managing their dogs.”

James’s touching show of support for Kate

James touchingly showed his support for his oldest sister after she revealed in 2024 that she was undergoing chemotherapy. “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too,” he wrote alongside a throwback photo of the two of them.

And just over two years later, the siblings went climbing – literally. In 2026, James joined Catherine as she took on the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon) within 24 hours.

“Two years ago, I told you we’d climb this mountain together. We talked about climbing mountains while you were in hospital, and about the incredible healing power that nature can have for both the body and the mind. So it was such an honour to join you for your Three Peaks Challenge for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity,” James penned after the challenge. 

“Seeing how far you’ve come is nothing short of inspiring. Your strength, resilience, and determination, all while being the most amazing mother, wife, daughter, and sister, inspire me and so many others every single day. Keep being exactly who you are.”

James’s sweet summer video starring Inigo

Just last week, James shared a collection of summer memories featuring a video of his adorable son, Inigo.

James and his young son were seen running down a sand dune at the seaside together, alongside two of their pet dogs. The pair were dressed in sync, both sporting shorts, a T-shirt and caps for their day at the coast, which appeared to be in the UK. Beyond them, the beautiful white sands stretched out to the clear waters. 

Alongside the collection, James penned: “Hasn’t summer flown by? Looking back through all these fun memories has made me realise just how much can happen in a few short months!

“From the big moments to the little ones in between, there’s been a lot to smile about so far this year. Seeing Inigo grow, watching the dogs having the time of their lives, special moments at James & Ella… and being able to share so much of it together is what means the most.

“Feeling very grateful, I hope your summer has been wonderful too. What’s been your best moment? Let me know below.”

James’s family life with son Inigo

Inigo is growing up in the Berkshire countryside, with proud parents James and Alizée. They reside in a gorgeous 16th-century Grade II-listed farmhouse with sprawling gardens.

Speaking to HELLO! last year, James shared how his son was being raised bilingually. “Alizée only speaks to him in French and I only speak to him in English, so he’s in that sort of Duolingo aspect of [being] slightly slower in speaking, but sentences will be half-French, half-English,” he said. “It’s wonderful to watch.”

Inigo’s cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will be able to converse with him in French, considering they have learnt that as well as Latin at school. They also are reported to know and speak Spanish.