Kate Middleton's brother James gives sweet insight into childhood holidays with his siblings - and reveals what he and his sisters listened to on car journeys
- The Princess of Wales's brother James, 37, spoke to The Times
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Kate Middleton's brother James has given a sweet insight into their childhood holidays with the family.
The Princess of Wales's younger sibling, 37, revealed that the three children, including Pippa, 41, used to go 'rock climbing on the crags' and 'explore the caves'.
Speaking to The Times, he fondly reminisced on their adventurous outings, telling the outlet: 'We were like something from The Famous Five.'
'Growing up, we’d also head to the Lake District, staying in rented cottages around Coniston Water and Windermere. It’s a very special place for us as a family.
'The Old Man of Coniston is one of my favourite mountains — I first climbed it on my dad’s back when I was four years old.'
He explained now that he and his sisters are adults, they still make sure to bond as a 'wider family' so that their own kids can play with their cousins - 'especially around Christmas'.
James added that holidays with the Middletons when he was little 'tended to be packing up the car and driving somewhere'.
His parents - Michael and Carole - would treat the kids to trips to the Swiss Alps in the summer.
The Princess of Wales's younger sibling, 37, revealed that the three children, including Pippa, 41, used to go 'rock climbing on the crags' and 'explore the caves'
Kate Middleton 's brother James has given a sweet insight into their childhood holidays with the family. James and Kate pictured as children
James recounted how his father would find a mountain refuge and the family would end up having 'a rather sloppy soup-like meal for tea' - but they were 'so hungry from a day of hiking that it tasted amazing'.
All five would then fall asleep on 'one long bunk', totally 'surrounded by other walkers' and get up early for another day of hiking.
'I can’t wait for Inigo to form those sorts of memories,' he said of his son, who turned one in September.
The Princess's brother also fondly recalled listening to storybooks on car journeys when he was a child, particularly tapes of Swallows and Amazons as well as The Famous Five.
It comes as earlier this week James shared a sweet tribute to his sister, ahead of her annual Christmas Eve carol concert.
The entrepreneur threw his support behind Kate as she returned to screens on ITV after an incredibly tough year, in which she completed preventative chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
His parents - Michael and Carole (pictured at Kate's carol concert) - would treat the kids to trips to the Swiss Alps in the summer
The Princess of Wales's brother James shared a sweet tribute to his sister ahead of her annual Christmas Eve carol concert
James Middleton and his wife Alizee attending the service at Westminster Abbey on December 6
Taking to his Instagram account on Tuesday, James shared a picture of the concert's programme - which is illustrated with a picture from author Charlie Mackesy, alongside a touching message
In his post, James praised his 'incredible sister' for sharing a 'very powerful' message through her annual service
Taking to his Instagram account on Tuesday, he shared a picture of the order of service - which is illustrated with a picture from author Charlie Mackesy, alongside a touching message.
In his post, James praised his 'incredible sister' for sharing a 'very powerful' message through her annual concert.
He also shared a quote from Kate, which read: 'At Christmas, and throughout the year, we must all shine for each other. Because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other's light.'
Families gathered on Christmas Eve are in for a regal treat when The Princess of Wales' concert, which took place at Westminster Abbey earlier this month, airs this evening.
And Kate offered a taster of what viewers can expect with a video montage posted to the Wales' Instagram account, calling the concert, filled with royal and celebrity faces, 'a heartfelt celebration'.
The short clip sees moments from the service including those who attended admiring Christmas messages on a 'kindness tree' outside the Abbey, the Princess chatting with youngsters before the service and teenage musicians playing instruments as the crowds entered.
The message, posted to the Prince and Princess of Wales' 16.8million followers said the service reflects 'upon the importance of love and empathy'.
It is the fourth time the royal has held the annual festive concert - but this year's is particularly poignant as the 42-year-old royal continues her recovery from cancer; Prince William has described 2024 as 'probably the hardest year of my life'.
