James Middleton Shares Rare Photo of His Son, Kate Middleton’s Nephew

In a rare and heartfelt Instagram post, Kate Middleton's brother posted a heartwarming photo of himself and her nephew, marking a special birthday celebration with matching berets. The image captures a beautiful moment, reflecting the deep familial bonds and personal milestones that shape their lives.

James Middleton, brother of Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, captured hearts with a recent Instagram post. He shared a charming father-son moment in celebration of his birthday.

The image features James and his baby son, Inigo Middleton, in matching berets. A white heart emoji was placed over baby Inigo's face to protect his privacy. James's caption accompanying the lovely post reads: “Matching bérets to celebrate my Birthday 🎈Surrounded by family, friends and of course my dogs ❤️.”

The doting dad's post comes a few years after he opened up about his struggles with mental health. In 2019, he divulged his battle with depression, describing it as "a cancer of the mind."

Speaking on this, James also admitted that he had initially kept this battle hidden from his family. In his revelations, he clarified, "It is tricky to describe the condition. It is not merely sadness. It is an illness."

His journey through depression and his diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) led him to pursue effective therapies, which helped him regain his enthusiasm for life.

James also opened up about his personal life in an interview earlier this year. During this discussion, James revealed that he has an upcoming memoir titled “Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life,” set to release in September.

The book explores his relationship with his late dog, Ella, a cocker spaniel he adopted at age 20. It also covers their adventures together, such as attending royal weddings and going on mountain hikes. Ella was a significant source of support during James' darkest times.

James shared that the memoir is also a tribute to his family life with a special focus on the impact Ella had on his life and the strong bond they shared.

When talking about the reasons he wrote the memoir, he explained that it was to process his grief after Ella's passing. James also said he wanted Inigo to understand just how special Ella was to their family.

“Ella was there at so many of the important moments of my life, including when I met Alizee, my wife [...] Another of the reasons that I wanted to write this book was so that I could tell Inigo the story of how I met his mother," James explained.

Regarding the pivotal role Ella played in helping shape James to be the man he is today, the author added, “Ella was so much more than just a dog – she was part of me, a true companion, my closest confidante, and very often my therapist”

Amid his recent reflections, James also showed support for his sister Kate Middleton during her health challenges. He recently posted a throwback photo with her, pledging family support amid her cancer journey.

His caption disclosed: “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too ⛰️❤️.”

As James' caption states, Kate's family has been weathering her cancer storm by her side. However, the Princess of Wales's parents have their share of troubles as they are reportedly grappling with mounting debt due to their business collapsing, which we previously reported on April 5, 2024.

On March 22, 2024, Kate disclosed in a video that she had begun undergoing cancer treatment. The diagnosis surfaced during post-operative assessments following her abdominal surgery in January 2024.

While Kate undergoes cancer treatment, her family contends with significant debts they allegedly cannot settle. Carole and Michael Middleton, who are also parents to James and Pippa Middleton, face challenges covering over $329,000 in insolvency firm expenses for their struggling enterprise, The Party Pieces Company.

The company tasked with managing the insolvency of Carole's business has recognized that the couple is unable to cover the full fees. The Party Pieces Company, established by the Middletons in 1987, entered administration in June 2024, leaving creditors with a debt of $3.28 million.

Party Pieces' woes didn't start now as in 2021, the company reportedly suffered a significant loss of over $316,000 due to the impact of the pandemic.

Still, during the lockdowns, Carole and Michael received a taxpayer-backed loan from NatWest to support their company, which faced challenges due to restrictions on family gatherings.

The business proceeded to initiate a retail partnership in the US. An enthusiastic Carole had expressed that it was truly thrilling to witness the Party Pieces Collection's expansion.

This began with Saker ShopRites, a prominent retailer in New Jersey. The family-owned business had a rich tradition of dedication to its customers and the communities it served.

Shortly thereafter, the outlook for the company became ambiguous when two of its three financial supporters, lingerie magnate Steven Bentwood and former head of Oxford United Football Club, Darryl Eales, relinquished their roles as directors.

According to documents NatWest is also owed a balance of $278,146 due to the loan it gave Party Pieces during the lockdown.

Moreover, the COVID-19 loan acquired by Carole and Michael resulted in the taxpayer bearing a loss following the business's demise. As per the provisions of the government's COVID-19 business interruption loan scheme, the taxpayer is accountable for 80 percent of any outstanding balance owed to NatWest.

Before Party Pieces collapsed, the business enlisted consultancy Interpath to explore options, including a potential sale or seeking new investors. Unfortunately, the business eventually entered administration, accumulating over $3.16 million in debt.

Furthermore, this scenario led to Interpath's team being incapable of recouping the entire fees for the services provided by its restructuring professionals, who were being paid $716 per hour. The company also incurred costs of $327,548.

According to a source, Carole was visibly distressed and profoundly disheartened by the situation at that time. The source mentioned that throughout the previous five months, she diligently endeavored to locate a purchaser who would not only advance the business but also fulfill any remaining financial debts.

The insider emphasized that Carole embraced accountability and acknowledged her own naivety in relinquishing control of the business she had nurtured for decades. Witnessing the company being sold off left her profoundly saddened.

The source revealed that in truth, Carole had distanced herself from the business over three years ago, entrusting the everyday operations to a new management team. Unfortunately, as the business took a downturn, she realized the situation too late.

In June of 2023, a report submitted to Companies House stated that due to the company's cash flow difficulties and failure to find extra funding, redeeming the company was not feasible. Party Pieces has now been sold through a pre-pack administration deal to entrepreneur James Sinclair for $227,523.

Before marrying Prince William, Kate worked as a project manager for Party Pieces. She concluded her tenure with the company prior to her wedding with the prince in 2011. At the time, a royal aide revealed that she had given her roles to colleagues and was getting ready for her future life.

Now, as the family grapples with their business challenges, Carole, who has stood steadfastly by Kate's side during her cancer battle, is resolute in her determination to shield her daughter from concerns about their financial troubles.

According to a source, Carole is really trying to keep Kate only focused on her recovery. It's a hard time for the family but they are not begging for help from their children and don't want them worried.

The source added that Kate and her parents maintain a close bond, frequently checking in with each other. Still, talks about the business were absolutely off-limits, as Kate needed to prioritize her health and well-being.

Royal commentator Afua Hagan also highlighted Carole's efforts to shield her daughter from stress during her chemotherapy. She emphasized that despite the devastating impact of Party Pieces' collapse on the family, Carole's priority is undoubtedly her daughter's well-being.

Author Christopher Andersen, renowned for his books on the royals, emphasized that no one in the royal family was embarrassed by Party Pieces' failure. He cautioned against assuming the Middletons were financially destitute, noting their substantial personal assets despite the business collapse.

Regarding Party Pieces, Christopher explained that the business thrived until the pandemic struck, causing devastating effects. The market for their products plummeted, leaving the company in dire straits.

Christopher asserted that both Carole and her brother, Gary Goldsmith, a participant in "Celebrity Big Brother," had amassed significant wealth. Carole's party supply business prospered for many years until, like numerous other businesses, it was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

So, Christopher pointed out that for nearly two years, nobody gave children’s parties, and the lingering effects proved devastating. The entire market for what Party Pieces was selling went straight off the end of a cliff.

Christopher also suggested that amid the royal family's ongoing challenges, concerns about the Middletons' financial setbacks were unlikely to be a priority.

With the King's cancer battle and Kate's diagnosis, their focus is understandably elsewhere. He underscored Carole's dedication to supporting her daughter during this challenging time, highlighting their strong bond.

Christopher stressed the importance of recognizing that Carole was dedicated to supporting her daughter through what was an extremely challenging diagnosis. Kate Middleton had consistently relied heavily on her mother for emotional support and motivation, particularly at that moment.

Aside from the support she is receiving from Carole, Kate also has her loving kids and husband by her side amid her cancer treatment while living at Adelaide Cottage, which we previously reported on April 2, 2024.

In the quaint embrace of Windsor’s Adelaide Cottage, Kate, along with Prince William and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—forge moments far removed from the public eye.

Their move to the 200-year-old pink dwelling in 2022, a decision initially propelled by a desire for privacy, has now turned into a sanctuary for recovery as the Princess of Wales undergoes cancer treatment.

Nestled within the serene expanses of Windsor Home Park, the 655-acre estate offers a stark contrast to the family’s previous residence at Kensington Palace.

The cottage’s charm, history, and "domestic" architecture underscore a lineage of royal occupants that traces back to its construction in 1831 as a summer retreat for Queen Adelaide.

With its picturesque grounds and close proximity to the Lambrook School—where the Wales children are students—and stables for their equestrian pursuits, Adelaide Cottage provides an ideal backdrop for the family’s endeavors towards a semblance of normal life amid trying times.

The public’s reaction to the family’s choice of residence during this challenging period has been overwhelmingly supportive, with people praising the move for its discretion and simplicity. One fan praised, “I think their move to Adelaide Cottage was a smart move. No servants live with [them]. No leaks.”

One comment from a social media user seemed to poke fun at the Prince and Princess's living quarters: "So, the @RoyalFamily exiled the [Sussexes] to Frogmore. But, since they bring their star power everywhere they go… the place is now cool to live at… & of course, @KensingtonRoyal had to copy it because that’s all they know how to do 😂#MonkeySeeMonkeyDo.”

However, the majority leaned in favor of the residence with another fan stating, “The fact that Catherine & William were happy at the little cottage speaks volumes. They wanted their privacy together - a lot like now in Adelaide Cottage. I wish them both every happiness."

Downsizing from the grandeur of Kensington Palace to a more intimate setting marked a significant lifestyle shift for the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Despite the logistical adjustments, which included the relocation of their trusted nanny, Maria Borrallo, the Cambridges embraced this change, finding solace in Windsor’s tranquility.

The move not only brought them closer to nature and Kate’s parents but also signified a commitment to providing a grounded upbringing for their children away from the limelight.

With its narratives of architectural reuse and royal legacies, Adelaide Cottage encapsulates a blend of public heritage and private comfort.

Its proximity to significant royal landmarks, including the nearby Frogmore Cottage and the main Windsor Castle, underscores the interconnectedness of royal residences while emphasizing the unique position of the home as a haven in the royal family’s real estate portfolio.

Before settling in Adelaide Cottage, Kate Middleton lived in a variety of homes that reflected her journey from an ordinary civilian to the Duchess of Cambridge with each residence marking a significant chapter in her life.

Bucklebury Manor—her childhood home—grounded her in a setting of familial warmth while St Salvator’s Hall was the place where she experienced university life, and where love blossomed between her and Prince William amid the hall’s gothic splendor.

Old Church Street in Chelsea served as her post-graduate haven—shared with her sister Pippa Middleton—offering a glimpse into her life before royal engagements took precedence. Her temporary abode at Bodorgan Hall on the Anglesey coast allowed for a private retreat while Prince William served with the RAF.

1A Kensington Palace, which boasted 20 rooms, signified her full embrace into the royal fold while Anmer Hall, a 10-bedroom Georgian mansion, was a gift from the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Aside from the vast past residences she has lived in, Adelaide Cottage emerges as a safe space for the beloved royal to undergo treatment as she bravely faces her health challenge.