Sophia Michaels
James Middleton, brother of Kate Middleton, faced numerous challenges in his past before marrying Alizee Thevenet. Although he appeared to put his troubling behaviors behind him, the couple encountered hurdles on their journey to marriage. Engaged in October 2019, they were not able to tie the knot until two years later due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which postponed their planned nuptials multiple times. Such prolonged delays can often signal issues, and sadly, this was the case for them.
James and Alizee finally wed in September 2021 in a small ceremony attended by Kate and Prince William. Their vows were exchanged in Bormes-les-Mimosas, France, officiated by the local mayor, François Arizzi. Despite their joy, the day was tainted by the loss of Alizee’s father, who passed away just five months prior. A source expressed sadness about the situation, emphasizing Alizee’s wish for her father to be present on such an important day.
Before their marriage, there were indications of problems, as James opened up about his mental health struggles.
James Middleton’s ongoing battle with depression
In the same year he proposed to Alizee, James penned a heartfelt essay for the Daily Mail, which revealed his long-term struggle with depression. He described feeling unable to communicate with even his nearest and dearest. James also discussed his experiences with dyslexia and ADHD, explaining how these difficulties affected his life. Experts noted that his mental health issues were partly tied to the contrasts between his middle-class upbringing and his royal connections.
In April 2023, relationship coach Emma Pruen remarked on James’s past challenges in adjusting to marriage, noting that while he seemed happier with Alizee, he often referenced his negative experiences. After becoming engaged, he candidly shared insights into his struggles, reflecting on his past as he embraced his future with Alizee.
A month after his engagement, he shared a family photo on Instagram, expressing newfound joy and the absence of pretense in his happiness. Nonetheless, this was not the last time he would link moments of joy with references to his struggles.
For mental health support, please reach out to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or explore the resources available on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
James Middleton’s unusual anniversary tributes
In September 2022, James Middleton and Alizee commemorated their first wedding anniversary. His choice to celebrate on social media drew attention, particularly because their anniversary coincided with the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II. He reflected on their marriage on September 11, a date layered with both personal joy and national mourning.
James Middleton Reflects on Anniversary Amid Mourning
James Middleton expressed that it felt inappropriate to celebrate his wedding anniversary while grieving the late Queen Elizabeth II. Instead of sharing a personal photo with his wife, he chose to post a poignant black-and-white image of the Queen’s wedding to Prince Philip.
This decision puzzled some Instagram users, with one commenting, “You should share your own moments, not someone else’s.” Many felt it was unusual to intertwine thoughts of death within an anniversary message. Some suggested that it might have been better to forgo the post altogether.
In September 2024, Middleton acknowledged his anniversary with Alizee Thevenet by sharing a touching photo from their wedding day, featuring a kiss alongside their dogs. He noted, “This is our third as husband & wife, our second without Ella, but our first as parents.” Ella refers to their late dog. Again, the anniversary post was marked by a sense of loss regarding a family member.
