James Middleton casts doubt on Harry’s claim of William 'recoiling' from Meghan'

Princess Kate’s brother, James Middleton, has shed light on the first meeting between the Prince and Princess of Wales and his wife, Alizee, sparking new scrutiny of Prince Harry’s portrayal of their interactions. 

Harry had previously described an incident where Prince William appeared "freaked out" by hugging "strangers," which contrasts with Middleton's account.

In the lead-up to the release of his memoir, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, set for September 25, James Middleton reveals personal details about his struggles with depression and the pivotal role his beloved spaniel, Ella, played in his recovery. 

Excerpts from the book, recently serialized by the Mail, provide a heartfelt glimpse into how her support helped save Middleton’s life during his darkest times.

Middleton recounts a charming anecdote from autumn 2018, when he and Alizee stayed at his family home in Bucklebury. 

Unbeknownst to them, Princess Kate and Prince William also decided to visit for the weekend, bringing all three of their children along. 

James recounts the scene: "We let ourselves in quietly, trying not to wake anyone, and caught a few hours of sleep before being woken at 7:30 a.m. by giggling at the bedroom door. 

It was George and Charlotte, my nephew and niece. I hadn't realized the whole family was staying for the weekend."

He then describes her delightful first meeting with the Waleses: "Just as I was about to take a cup up to Alizee, she appeared at the kitchen door, her hair tousled and wearing one of my shirts. 

True to her wonderfully French nature, she didn’t rush to get dressed. Instead, she greeted everyone warmly, as if meeting her boyfriend's sister and brother-in-law for the first time in an oversized shirt was perfectly normal."

Alizee’s relaxed demeanor made for a seamless introduction. "She shook hands with no awkwardness at all, and soon we were all chatting and laughing, with the children asking cheeky questions at lightning speed. 

They were curious about who this 'lady' was and giggled when I confirmed she was my girlfriend."