Prince William’s life with the Middletons: Inside their close bond and the one family trait he dislikes

Prince William has been warmly embraced by Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, along with her siblings, Pippa and James Middleton. When Kate announced she was cancer-free with a social media video, the couple was spotted spending time with her parents. His relationship with the Middletons has only flourished over the years.

Kate’s brother, James’ memoir Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, offers glimpses of his close-knit family including their relationship with his brother-in-law, Prince William. However, it also reveals the one thing William dislikes about them.

Prince William has a close bond with his in-laws but dislikes this one thing

James’ memoir highlights William’s affection for James’s dog, Ella, who passed away in 2023. Moreover, he talks about how the Prince used her to escape family game time because he dislikes how competitive the Middleton family is while playing cards.

James details how William would often use Ella to escape the competitive atmosphere whenever the family gathered to play their favourite card game, Racing Demon. He wrote in the memoir:

Ella gives him a good excuse to escape the fiercely competitive nature of the Middleton family, which emerges every time we play our favourite fast-paced card game, Racing Demon.

James describes it as a ‘cut-throat form of patience or solitaire,’ and admits that their family has always taken the game very seriously, reports Town & Country Magazine. He added:

William flinches at our ruthless determination to win at all costs. He’s delighted to be the first out, and when no longer compelled to take part, he slinks off to cuddle Ella. I think he’d prefer to absent himself from the game entirely.

‘James, does Ella need a walk?’ he asks before we’ve even started dealing the cards. My sisters and I exchange a knowing glance: William, for all the competitive rigour of his military training, is happy to be a loser at cards.

Other than his disdain for family card games, Prince William has a very special bond with his in-laws.

Prince William’s close bond with his in-laws

According to Hello! Magazine, William has been involved in Middleton family activities, like group holidays to Mustique and skiing trips since the start. His fondness for the Middletons became clear when he reportedly asked the Queen to include them in royal events such as the Diamond Jubilee carriage parade and boat pageant in 2012. In his engagement interview, William said:

Mike and Carole have been really loving and caring and really fun and have been really welcoming towards me so I've felt really a part of the family and I hope that Kate's felt the same with my family.

Additionally, Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton has often been seen alongside the couple at public events. Pippa once described her relationship with William as 'very close' during a 2014 interview and said:

We're very close. And, you know, we support each other and get each other's opinions and things.

Prince William’s bond with James Middleton was cemented after James opened up about his struggle with depression. William’s mental health advocacy, along with Kate’s support, motivated James to speak out about his own experiences.

William has also maintained a special connection with his in-laws during holidays. He once promised Kate that she would not be separated from her family at Christmas, and they have since spent several holidays with the Middletons in Berkshire, strengthening their familial ties.

Read more:

James Middleton on how Prince William changed Princess Kate: 'He brought out her confidence'

Princess Kate asked Prince William a question minutes after marrying, this was his sweet response

Kate Middleton: New book claims the royal did not want Princess Diana's title

Sources used:

Town & Country Magazine: The One Thing Prince William Doesn't Like About His In-Laws

Hello! Magazine: 6 photos that show Prince William's close bond with the Middleton family