Princess of Wales's brother issues reflective statement as he shares new photographs of his wife

Dorothy Reddin
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:10:34 +0000

James Middleton marked his 39th birthday on Wednesday with a reflective message shared on social media.

The Princess of Wales's younger brother posted on Instagram: "Today's my birthday and every year feels like a bigger climb, but reaching the top and seeing how far you've come never gets old."

He added: "Entering the final year of my 30s and more excited than ever."

The birthday celebration marked Mr Middleton's final year before turning 40.

The entrepreneur expressed optimism about what lies ahead despite acknowledging that each passing year brings greater challenges.

The Instagram post included four photographs, with two showing Mr Middleton alongside his beloved dogs.

In addition, the other two featured his wife, Alizée Thevenet.

Eagle-eyed observers noted that Ms Thevenet was sporting a brown gilet previously worn by Catherine, the Princess of Wales, back in 2006.

The fashion choice created a notable connection between the sisters-in-law.

The French-born financial analyst appeared to have borrowed the two-decade-old garment from her husband's elder sister.

The couple's shared love of dogs has been central to their relationship, with Mr Middleton frequently featuring his pets in social media posts.

Mr Middleton and Ms Thevenet first crossed paths in 2018 at the South Kensington Club in London, with the entrepreneur's late dog, Ella, playing matchmaker by approaching the French financial analyst.

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"If that moment hadn't been seized, I wouldn't have met my wife, I wouldn't have my beautiful son," Mr Middleton has previously said.

The pair exchanged vows in September 2021 in the French village of Bormes-les-Mimosas, with the bride wearing her mother-in-law Carole Middleton's wedding dress from 1980.

Their son Inigo arrived in September 2023, and Mr Middleton has indicated he would welcome more children if circumstances allow.