Prince William and Kate Middleton celebrate major family occasion in France

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s three children reportedly joined them for this special trip

Prince William and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge on the promenade
(Image credit: Photo by Ben Birchall - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince William and Kate Middleton are said to have taken their three children to southern France to celebrate a major family occasion.


Prince William and Kate Middleton have reportedly traveled to the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas in southern France to attend the wedding of the Duchess’ brother James to his long-term partner Alizée Thevenet. The royal couple, who celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary this year with a sweet family video, are understood to have taken their three children with them. According to PageSix, the guest list also included Kate and James’ parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, sister Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews and children Arthur and Grace. 

Though the family wedding was a very private affair, James has since taken to Instagram to share a deeply personal snap of him and his new wife. Looking smart in a cream suit that perfectly complemented Alizée's Bardot-style white summer dress, the couple are beaming in the sunshine, her stunning engagement ring and wedding band both clearly visible as the pair linked arms. 

Announcing the news of their marriage alongside this romantic photo, James declared, “Mr & Mrs Middleton ❤️ Yesterday I married the love of my life surrounded by family, friends and of course a few dogs in the beautiful village or Bormes-les-Mimosas. Words cannot describe how happy I am ❤️”. 

Fans and celebrities alike were quick to congratulate the new Mr and Mrs Middleton. 

Journalist and author Bryony Gordon commented, “Congratulations James! This makes me so happy xxx”.

“Congratulations James. Amazing. So happy for you both ❤️”, replied broadcaster Ben Fogle excitedly. 

Whilst Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, husband of the Queen’s granddaughter Princess Beatrice, commented, “So so happy for you both. ❤️❤️”. 

Alizee Thevenet and James Middleton attend the wedding of Lady Gabriella Windsor

(Image credit: Photo by Pool/Max Mumby/Getty Images)

James Middleton’s marriage to financial analyst Alizée comes after the couple are understood to have postponed their nuptials due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The couple first became engaged back in September 2019 and James has previously revealed the adorable way his dog helped get the two acquainted. 

James is the proud owner of six dogs, many of which appeared in a recent sweet video as he spoke out on a vital issue. Opening up to The Telegraph earlier this year, James admitted that without one of his beloved spaniels, Ella, he and Alizée might not have met back in 2018. 

He explained, “The two of us (Ella and me) were at the South Kensington Club in Chelsea. Ella was lying at my feet under the table; realising she might want some water, I trusted her to take herself over to the water bowl across the terrace. However, she made a beeline for Alizée.”

Alizee Thevenet and James Middleton attend the Bvlgari Magnifica Gala dinner

(Image credit: Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Bvlgari)

It was then that the Duchess of Cambridge’s brother went over to Alizée's table to retrieve his dog and the rest is history.

“Little did I know, but I had just met my future wife, all thanks to Ella,” he shared.

Now three years later, Prince William and Kate Middleton were no doubt delighted to be there to celebrate the couple’s magnificent day with them in sunny France.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!