James Middleton reveals how Prince William would often avoid competitive games with his wife’s family, highlighting their intense competitive nature

In a recent revelation, James Middleton, the brother of Princess Kate, shared insights into the competitive nature of family gatherings involving Prince William. In his book, Meet Ella, James describes how the Prince of Wales often found himself overwhelmed by the fierce competition during competitive card games with Kate’s family. He notes that William would sometimes flinch at the intense competitive card games.

According to Middleton, the family’s favourite card game is Racing Demon, a high-speed game known for its lack of official turns and relentless pace. The competitive spirit of the game was so intense that Prince William would often be seen flinching at the family’s determination to win. In fact, he sometimes tried to avoid the competitive card games entirely by offering to walk the family’s dog, Ella, as a way to escape the high-stakes card-playing environment. Middleton reveals that William’s reaction to these competitive card games was a recurring theme in family gatherings.

James Middleton wrote, “William would flinch at our ruthless determination to win at all costs. He’d be delighted to be the first out, and when no longer compelled to take part, he’d slink off to cuddle Ella. Better still, he’d absent himself from the game entirely. ‘James, does Ella need a walk?’ he’d ask before we’d even started dealing the cards. My sisters and I would exchange a knowing glance. William, for all the competitive rigour of his military training, was happy to be a loser at cards.”

This candid portrayal highlights a lighter side of the Prince of Wales, showing how even someone with his level of discipline and competitive spirit in his professional life could be overwhelmed by the personal dynamics of his extended family. The story underscores the stark contrast between the public perception of royal life and the more relatable, everyday experiences within it.

James Middleton’s comments come alongside his support for his sister, Kate, as she marked the end of her chemotherapy treatment. In a recent social media post celebrating this milestone, James shared a brief but heartfelt message of pride, further showcasing the close-knit nature of the Middleton family despite their competitive tendencies. He also highlighted how William’s reactions during competitive card games with the family added to the dynamics of their gatherings.

Analysis

Political: Prince William’s interaction with the Middleton family, especially in the context of intense competitive card games, reflects the broader challenges faced by royals in balancing their public and private lives. The intense scrutiny of the royal family extends to their personal relationships, and any insight into their private interactions can influence public perception of their suitability and relatability. While this story might seem trivial, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by royals in maintaining a balance between their public duties and personal lives, with William reactions to competitive card games underscoring the pressures he faces even in informal settings.

Social: The competitive nature described by James Middleton provides a glimpse into the normalcy and relatability of royal life. It underscores how even high-profile individuals like Prince William partake in everyday familial dynamics, such as competitive games and light-hearted banter. This narrative helps humanize the royals, making them more relatable to the public by showing that they, too, experience family rivalry and personal struggles. The story also reflects the importance of family support systems, as seen in the Middleton family’s encouragement of Kate through her health journey.

Racial: The story does not directly address racial issues, but it does offer an opportunity to reflect on how different family dynamics might intersect with public perceptions of race and class within royal contexts. The Middleton family’s competitive spirit, while not racially charged, serves as a backdrop to understanding how public figures navigate family expectations and social interactions.

Gender: The narrative touches on gender dynamics indirectly through the portrayal of Princess Kate and her family. The competitive nature of the games and Prince William’s retreat from them highlight traditional gender roles where men might be expected to engage in competition and women in supporting roles. The story also reflects the impact of Kate’s health on family dynamics, showing how personal challenges can influence family interactions and support.

Economic: While the card games themselves might not have direct economic implications, the story provides insight into the lifestyle of the royals, which can impact public perception and media coverage. The Middleton family’s competitive nature and the attention given to Prince William’s participation (or lack thereof) in these games can influence how the royal family’s personal stories are perceived and reported, potentially affecting their public image and, by extension, their influence on charitable and economic endeavours.