The Prince and Princess of Wales had an unexpected first meeting with their sister-in-law, Alizee Thevenet, who is now celebrating her fifth wedding anniversary with James Middleton. The encounter, which took place at Carole and Michael Middleton's family home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, was revealed in James Middleton's book, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life.
A Last-Minute Stay Leads to an Awkward Encounter
James and Alizee had attended a nearby wedding and decided at the last minute to stay at his parents' home. Unbeknownst to James, his sister Princess Catherine, her husband Prince William, and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis were also staying there for the weekend.
James only realised this the next morning. In his book, he recalled: “We let ourselves in and tiptoe around in the dark, not wanting to wake anyone, then catch a few hours' sleep before I'm woken at 7.30am by giggling at the bedroom door.”
A French Approach to a Surprise Meeting
James wrote that he went downstairs to find Catherine and William drinking tea in the kitchen. He was about to take tea up to Alizee when she appeared at the kitchen door with "her hair still tousled" and wearing one of his shirts.
He recalled: "In situations like this, Alizee is wonderfully French. She does not panic or rush upstairs to get dressed. Instead, she just greets everyone warmly as if it's not remotely unusual to be meeting her boyfriend's sister and brother-in-law for the first time, wearing only an oversized man's shirt."
James described how Alizee shook hands with everyone and the children asked cheeky questions. He wrote: "'Hello,' she says, proffering her hand and with no awkwardness at all we're soon all chatting and the children are asking all kinds of cheeky questions at 100 miles per hour."
A Warm Welcome and a Special Goodbye
Despite the unplanned nature of the meeting, James said everyone got on well, spending the following day on a walk with his parents and Catherine's parents. When they said goodbye, Catherine gave James a "special squeeze" and whispered that his girlfriend is "just great".
James concluded: "Mum's warm smile tells me she agrees. All my stars have aligned: Alizee is perfect for me and my family adores her."
