Must love dogs: The unique story behind James Middleton and Alizee Thevenet’s relationship

Let’s start back at the beginning – pre their first 2018 encounter. James Middleton was living a low-key life, and had one, very important passion – his dogs. In fact, James later admitted that his dogs, particularly his long-time furry companion, Ella, helped him through dark times as he struggled with mental health issues.

In a chance encounter one fateful day in 2018, James just so happened to be at a South Kensington Club with Ella by his side. Alizee, a big fan of dogs herself, walked by and saw Ella. She stopped to greet her… and naturally James. The rest, as they say, was history.

Of course, it’s not official until you make it Instagram official, right? The Middleton brother gave the public green light by sharing this sweet pic alongside the caption: “Sail away with me ⛵️ ☀️”

To reiterate just how serious they were, James took Alizee as his plus one to Gabriella Windsor’s royal wedding in May 2019. If they’re taking them to royal weddings, they must be serious, right?

Throughout 2019, the sweet (and chic) couple were seen at multiple events together, including Wimbledon (pictured).

She was clearly getting close to his family fast – the couple were joined by James’ mum Carole and sister Pippa.

James shared this sweet candid snap of his girlfriend and pup in the British summer of 2019, writing: “Caption this 🐾 #goldenretriever #summervibes #dogsofinstagram #happydog”.

In October 2019, fans were greeted with the update we’d hoped for, but daren’t have expected to hear so soon – the pair were engaged. “❤️She said OUI ❤️” Wrote the smitten then 33-year-old.

They certainly know how to glam up together. After their engagement, fans awaited with much anticipation for the next royal wedding to take place.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pair had to temporarily put their wedding plans on hold. According to the Daily Mail‘, they simply decided hosting a wedding at the time was just “not practical” given the current climate. That said, they’re expected to revisit setting a date when things have settled down a bit.

The pair made the best of the difficult global situation, in any case. In May, the dog-lover shared a rare video to his Instagram shaving off his beard to surprise Alizee, as she had never seen him without one. Watch the funny, yet sweet moment in the player below.

James and Alizee welcomed a litter of pups together in 2020, which looks like it would have been chaos, but of course, the youngest Middleton took to Instagram to reflect on their time with the fur babies before they had to leave.

“I am sad to see you go, and yes I might cry but it will be with happiness as each of your new homes are bursting with love,” wrote James.

A year after they became engaged, the loved-up duo went on a vacation to Italy to celebrate.

The couple looked relaxed on a boat trip together, and James reflected on their crazy 12-month journey.

“It’s a year since I asked Alizee to marry me 💍 … what a year it’s been! Two homes 🏡 lockdown 🔐 two attempts at a wedding🤵👰❌, a litter of 🐶, launching of new company @ella.co 🐾 a beard shave 🪒 and much more but the best part is that I get to share it with you @alizeethevenet and I can’t wait to take on whatever the future holds for us ✨,” he wrote.

A month before their wedding, James revealed he and Alizée had brought a house together.

“I think buying a house is up there with one of the most stressful experiences in my life 😅🏡🐾,” he confessed in his caption.

“It’s been a hectic few months moving in to our new home & we couldn’t be happier. We are settling into our life in the country & the dogs ❤️ their new home.”

Husband and wife! In September 2021, James and Alizée finally wed in an intimate ceremony with friends and family at the French Village of Bormes-Les-Minosas on the famous Côte d’Azur.

James took to Instagram to confirm the happy news, sharing a sun-kissed photo of him and his bride beaming at the camera.

“Mr & Mrs Middleton ❤️ 🇬🇧 🇫🇷” he captioned the selfie, which showed off Alizée’s unique engagement ring.

James posted these adorable pictures of him and Alizee with their dogs to reflect on January 2022 and how it impacts his mental health.

The business owner has been open about his experience with depression, and in his raw message, he thanked his dogs for helping him build a healthy mindset.

“My thoughts on January…I’ve always found January a very difficult month, especially when I was suffering from clinical depression. When everyone is setting new goals, laying down new ground rules and striving to become a better version of themselves, while some of us are just about surviving…,” he began.

James also shared his mantra to help others see the light when the going gets tough.

“I have, however, set myself a new mantra which was inspired by my dogs… Don’t spend every moment thinking of the one to come, or ones in the past. The past is imperfect, the future will be too, but now – we can do something about that. So right now… I’m going to take the dogs for a long walk hand in hand with my Wife ❤️ 🐾.”

Before James and his wife walked hand in hand with their dogs, they snapped a gorgeous rustic selfie, and the way Alizee looked at her husband speaks volumes about her adoration.

James and Alizée were smitten while attending Wimbledon, and to royal watchers’ delight, they spent the day sharing smiles and long stares.

Married life looks good on them!

They were snapped walking into the venue, and Alizée proved French women know how to dress in her low-V jumpsuit with oversized sleeves and wedged espadrilles.