James Middleton recently opened up about his upbringing, describing it as filled with love and support from multiple maternal figures. In an exclusive interview with HELLO!, he got candid about growing up in his tight-knit family background. These were followed by favourite memories from his idyllic childhood spent in Berkshire.
Middleton, who is turning 38 this month, isn’t feeling spoiled. Life as the youngest sibling has given him special opportunities and obstacles. He emphasized the importance of family, stating, “We’ve been brought up knowing that you can’t take family for granted.” Middleton’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, are residents of the village of Bucklebury. He argues that this place is so very special because it’s just five minutes from his home.
“We’re a close family, and we’re fortunate in that we see lots of each other,” he said, highlighting the role his parents play in keeping the family connected. His close-knit family connection is really the bedrock of his childhood. He’s also aware that the family sphere operates quite differently than the social one. Unlike your friends, whom you can choose, you don’t get to choose your neighbors. “I just don’t think you can abandon your family the way you can occasionally with friends,” he said.
Middleton now lives with his wife Alizee and their 18-month-old son Inigo on a newly renovated 30-acre farmhouse. From there, he’s designed a life that actually aligns with his values. He’s assembled a small army of workers dedicated to his land. This colorful crew adds to the joyous, bright, open vibe of his extremely welcoming home.
Middleton is very close with his immediate family. He spends his life with six rambunctious dogs who joyously help him give tours of his homestead. He’s presented dogs to his sister, the Princess of Wales, and their sister Pippa. Most importantly, perhaps, he gifted Kate Middleton her first dog, Lupo, who died at only nine years of age. He subsequently gifted her a second dog, Orla. He donated a dog called Rafa to Pippa and her husband James.
Middleton spoke fondly of his childhood companion, a black lab named Wigeon. He shared a few thoughts on how dogs have changed his life for the better. His adventures with Wigeon have left him no less attuned to the deep genius of dog friendship. “I jokingly say that I had three mothers growing up,” he quipped, underlining the nurturing presence of both human and animal figures in his life.
That sense of connection to his family and home deeply resonates with Middleton. He has lived in the Reading area for the majority of his life, and this connection runs deep with him. Now, as he prepares to mark yet another turn around the sun, he couldn’t be more thankful. Those relationships in his life have made him who he is today.
