James Middleton has said the Prince of Wales was left flinching at the competitive nature of card games when playing with his wife’s family.
The brother of Princess Kate said the competition was often so fierce between siblings that Prince William would sometimes offer to walk the brother’s dog, Ella, to avoid the games completely.
His book, Meet Ella, published in the Daily Mail, James claimed the family’s favourite card game was Racing Demon, a fast-paced card game in which nobody takes official turns.
Prince William joined the family for a competitive card game in the video released last to celebrate his wife’s end of chemotherapy.
James Middleton wrote in his book: “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.”
It comes as James reacted Kate’s announcement video with a short message.
Kate’s younger brother commented on the social media post sharing the announcement with a short message saying: “I couldn’t be more proud.”
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James Middleton spoke about the family’s competitive nature
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In the book, James Middleton spoke about his mental health battles since university, which have been eased by his love of dogs, especially his cherished cocker spaniel, Ella.
He also revealed Elizabeth II, a dog lover herself, was also a fan of Ella and would grant her special privileges when they stayed at Sandringham.
He wrote: “Her Majesty was always concerned about their wellbeing, and knowing the special place Ella held in my heart, allowed her special privileges. Did you get my message, James?’ she asked me the first time I visited. ‘Ella is welcome to stay in your room.'”
Middleton added his love for Ella, and his fear about who would look after her if he wasn’t around, stopped him from taking his own life.
In the book, he told the story of how Ella once escaped from his room and was later found in the kitchen with the royal chef rubbing the dog’s belly. He said he had hoped the late Queen would not find out about his dog’s excursion into the Sandringham kitchens.
He added: “But nothing escaped her…She said to me, ‘I hear Ella had a nice little wander round earlier.’ I apologised profusely, expecting a gentle telling-off.
“Instead, with the understanding that comes from long association with dogs, she gave me a conspiratorial smile and said, ‘Well, dogs will be dogs.'”
