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James Middleton shared that he calls his sister, Kate Middleton, for parenting advice
The entrepreneur shares his 2-year-old, Inigo, with his wife, Alizée Thevenet
James said that his sisters, Princess Kate and Pippa, give him "confidence" as a parent
James Middletonhas a parenting pro to turn to in his sister,Kate Middleton.
On Dec. 22, the entrepreneur opened up about his family's close dynamic and what advice he shares with his sisters, Princess Kate andPippa Middleton, in a new interview withHello!magazinefor the Dogs Trust's Christmas Happy Place campaign.
James and his wife,Alizée Thevenet, share a 2-year-old son, Inigo, and live in Berkshire with their six dogs.
"One of the wonderful things about being the youngest [sibling] and having children last is that there is an abundance of paraphernalia that comes in very handy. Also, it's the confidence [they give me]. You're always on edge with being a parent, particularly this time of year with coughs and colds and sniffles going around the place," James, 38, told the outlet.
"They're definitely at the end of the phone if we need a bit of advice," he continued. "And equally, they know that I'm on the end of the phone if they need a bit of advice on managing their dogs."
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The dog lover and mental health advocate isthe author of the memoirMeet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, founder of the natural pet food company, James & Ella, and breeder behind Princess Kate andPrince William's dogs, the lateLupoandOrla. Both dogs are descendants ofElla, James' beloved cocker spaniel who inspired his business, book andeven introduced him to his wife during a chance encounter at a bar in Chelsea.
In another familial tidbit,Hello!reported that Inigio is unaware of the royal status of his older cousins, Princess Kate and Prince William's kids,Prince George, 12,Princess Charlotte, 10, andPrince Louis, 7.
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"I think we're really fortunate to be a very close family, and so we get together as a family relatively regularly, and love that opportunity. There's seven grandchildren, so six cousins for him, and it's wonderful them spending time together and making memories," James explained.
James is the youngest child ofCaroleandMichael Middleton, and Inigo is the youngest of their grandchildren.Pippa, 42, and her husband,James Matthews, are also parents to sonArthur, 7, and daughtersGrace, 4, andRose, 3.
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Exclusively speaking to PEOPLE in 2024about the publication ofMeet Ella, James said that his family was by his side during his darkest struggles with clinical depression.
"We speak more openly now about our own mental health as a family. That is a great thing," James said then.
Reflecting on his family's reaction to his memoir's revelations, he added, "The embrace of a hug from a family member means more than words. We're a close family, but it's brought us together. I know they're proud of me for telling my story."
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
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