Kate Middleton previously described her childhood as “happy” and “fun.” During an appearance on the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast in 2020, the Princess of Wales said she was fortunate to have come from “a very strong family” with “hugely dedicated” and supportive parents. In a more recent interview, her brother, James Middleton, shed some more light on what their family was like growing up.
James spoke very highly of his sisters.
James Middleton, now 37, says that his sisters, Kate and Pippa Middleton, were “mothering figures” in his life.
“I jokingly say that I had three mothers growing up,” James told Hello! magazine. “I had my mother and my two sisters, who were mothering figures to me.” He added that he was “very fortunate” to have such a great relationship with his sisters.
They were close when they were younger — and still are.
James told Hello! that he and his sisters had “a fantastic childhood.” The strong relationship they all had with one another made it even better, he added. He and his sisters are still great friends. “They included me in everything they did, and still do,” James told the magazine. “I’m now in my late 30s and we still have that friendship.”
He also explained that he and his sisters learned about the importance of family at a young age because of their parents.
“We’ve been brought up knowing that you can’t take family for granted,” he said. “You don’t get to choose them, as you can choose your friends. But I don’t think you can give up on your family like you can sometimes with friends.”
James added that his family is very close. “We’re fortunate in that we see lots of each other,” he said. “My parents play a good role in getting us all together in that respect.”
It’s not the first time James has praised his sister Kate.
In 2024, James published a memoir called Meet Ella. He wrote about living with depression and contemplating suicide, also revealing how his sisters supported him as he struggled with his mental health. Kate and Pippa both attended his therapy sessions. The fact that they cared enough to do that made a huge difference. Additionally, James described feeling “such gratitude and admiration” for Kate because of her “knowledge and compassion.”
“They come to a session with me, and the fact that they are here, wanting so much to help me, makes me burst into tears,” James wrote. While attending his therapy session, Kate and Pippa both listened and worked to understand what their brother was dealing with. Because of her experience with the mental health charity Heads Together, Kate was able to ask the right questions.
“She understands so much,” James wrote. “I’m overwhelmed.”
As he was promoting his memoir, he also spoke highly of Kate during an interview with People. “My love and respect for my sister is huge,” he told the publication. “I support her and everything that she’s doing. I recognize that there’s interest in my life because of who she is, and it took time to adjust. But I’m proud of who I am. It just so happens that my sister is who she is.”
James also expressed support for Kate when she publicly announced her cancer diagnosis.
In March 2024, Kate announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer. On Instagram, James wrote to his sister to express his support for her. “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together,” he wrote at the time. “As a family, we will climb this one with you too.”
When speaking to People about Kate’s diagnosis, James said, “We are a close family. It is always important to have support around you and not do things alone. Sharing it does help bring people together. My love and support for my family is more than just an Instagram post.”
