A sibling, for many, is a lifelong friend. They’re described as the greatest gift a parent can give a child. The Princess of Wales surely knows this, and as a fellow elder daughter with a younger brother, I know it too. Perhaps that is why Catherine and James Middleton’s close bond has moved me on more than one occasion.
It’s no secret the Middletons are a tight-knit family. Prince William highlighted their closeness in his 2010 engagement interview, saying: “Kate’s got a very, very close family. I get on really well with them and I’m very lucky that they’ve been so supportive.”
In contrast, while the House of Windsor has spent the past several years navigating family fractures, scandal and the fallout from the Sussexes’ interviews and Prince Harry’s tell-all memoir, Spare, the Middletons have built a reputation for steadfast loyalty. Matriarch Carole Middleton once even said: “Over the years; it’s proved wise not to say anything.”
Although the Middletons do not often speak publicly about one another, their actions through the years have spoken louder than words. One of the clearest examples of that support can be seen in the relationship between Catherine and her younger brother. James, who has previously battled depression and suicidal thoughts, has revealed in the past that his sisters, Catherine and Pippa, joined him at therapy sessions.
“They’ve seen me at my best and at my lowest, and they’ve always been there when I’ve needed them,” James said in 2025. “Sibling love is something unique, you can’t choose your siblings, it can be complicated, it takes work, but when it’s strong, I believe it’s one of the most powerful bonds there is.”
And James is right.
As Jeffrey Kluger, author of The Sibling Effect, has put it: “Our parents leave us too early; our spouse and our children come along too late. Our siblings are the only ones who are with us for the entire ride.”
Unconditional sibling love
While there are, of course, exceptions (no family is perfect, after all) there is something distinctive about a sibling relationship. You can disagree about a movie, politics, your parents, whatever, but when one is in crisis, needing a shoulder to cry on or a helping hand, you set aside whatever you might be feeling and show up because that is what family does. They show up for one another. Period. And to do so without expecting anything in return, James has noted, is the “simplest way of really demonstrating love.”
Speaking to The Times in 2025, the Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life author pointed out: “Being there for someone is such an important part, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be on your terms and it shouldn’t be on your terms. It should be on their terms; unconditional: ‘I’m not doing it for something in return. I’m doing it because I love you.’ And that’s the simplest way of really demonstrating love. You can do it in all these various fancy ways but actually, you know, it is just generally being there.”
In a world where some relatives are quick to cut others off or fall out, Catherine and James’ relationship feels refreshing to see. The two exemplify unwavering sibling support. What’s more, it is beautiful to see a grown man, a brother, openly and unreservedly express that love for the world to see.
Climbing literal and figurative mountains
Years after supporting her little brother through a dark period in his life, the roles reversed, with James, this time, stepping forward to be a source of support for his big sister. On the day the Princess announced to the world that she was undergoing chemotherapy treatment in 2024, James took to Instagram to pen a heartwarming message to Catherine. Alongside a childhood photo of the two of them, the James & Ella founder wrote: “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too.”
The post was tear-inducing. Covering it at the time, I wrote for HELLO!’s sister brand HOLA! USA that the message would “bring tears” to readers’ eyes. It certainly did for me.
James’ words would quietly come full circle following the Princess of Wales’ participation in the Three Peaks Challenge. After completing the challenge in June of 2026, a video emerged of James holding his sister’s hand as they descended Mount Snowdon together. The moment gave new weight to his words from just two years earlier.
© Instagram/James MiddletonA week after the Princess’ feat, James posted a beautiful image of him and Catherine embracing each other with a hug, accompanied by a caption that once again underscored his love and support for his sister. “I’m so incredibly proud of my darling sister,” he began. “Two years ago, I told you we’d climb this mountain together. We talked about climbing mountains while you were in hospital, and about the incredible healing power that nature can have for both the body and the mind. So it was such an honour to join you for your Three Peaks Challenge for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.”
“Seeing how far you’ve come is nothing short of inspiring. Your strength, resilience, and determination, all while being the most amazing mother, wife, daughter, and sister, inspire me and so many others every single day. Keep being exactly who you are,” he added.
Sibling goals
After Catherine completed her chemotherapy in 2024, James spoke with HELLO! about supporting his big sister through her cancer treatment. “We are certainly a close family that goes through things together,” he shared. “That was the experience I had through my challenges, and I certainly feel like it’s something that her [Catherine’s] family and our family are doing too.”
In the same way she was there for her brother as he battled depression, James was there for his eldest sister during her cancer journey, which she’s called “complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.”
Through life’s peaks and valleys, the Princess of Wales and her brother have shown that a sibling can be a loyal, supportive companion in the climb of life. They’re also a reminder that few bonds are as enduring as that of a sibling.
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