Prince William was ‘put through his paces’ by Kate Middleton’s brother – but he had a secret weapon

James Middleton, Kate’s brother, played a significant role in evaluating Prince William before his marriage to Kate Middleton. According to James, he put William “through his paces” during their initial meetings, aiming to ensure that the Prince was genuinely committed to his sister.

In his forthcoming autobiography, *Meet Ella*, James Middleton describes how he tested William’s intentions and suitability as a partner for Kate. Despite knowing William well due to their shared social circles, James wanted to ensure that William was truly deserving of his sister’s trust. The process involved several sit-down meetings where James scrutinized William’s motivations and character.

James recounts that, at the time, William appeared to be “pining” not for Kate but for the companionship of a dog. William had previously owned a black Labrador named Widgeon, who had passed away, leaving a void in his life. When James introduced his puppy, Ella, to William, he noticed that the Prince was smitten with the dog, which seemed to fill the emotional gap left by Widgeon’s death.

Their romance didn’t start instantly; Kate and William were initially friends when they met at St. Andrews University. The relationship evolved over time, with their first significant romantic interaction occurring during a charity catwalk show. William’s initial attraction to Kate transformed into a deeper affection as their friendship developed into a romance. Early dates were kept discreet, often involving separate arrivals at venues to avoid public attention.

James’s evaluation of William was part of a broader concern to ensure that Kate’s future husband would be someone who genuinely valued her. The rigorous testing of William by James was a way to protect his sister and to make sure that the Prince was serious about their relationship.

The public’s perception of William and Kate’s relationship often focuses on their fairy-tale romance, but James’s behind-the-scenes scrutiny highlights the importance of family approval in royal relationships. The dynamic between James and William also reflects the broader scrutiny faced by anyone marrying into the royal family.

James Middleton’s upcoming book, *Meet Ella*, promises to provide more insights into these private moments and the relationship dynamics within the Middleton family. The book will be released on September 26, and it is expected to delve into James’s personal experiences and observations.

Overall, James’s efforts to evaluate Prince William were part of a larger tradition of ensuring that potential royal partners meet the high standards set by their families. This scrutiny is a significant aspect of royal relationships, reflecting the importance placed on both personal compatibility and public perception.