William’s ‘cheeky way’ to escape Middleton’s game nights | Royal | News

Prince William reportedly had a “cheeky way” of leaving games night with the Princess of Wales and the rest of the Middleton family.

James Middleton revealed on The Dog podcast that his brother-in-law found game nights with his family ‘too competitive’ and would often make ‘excuses’ to get away.

Princess Kate’s only brother, who was around the age of 13 when William started dating his older sister, recalls how William often joined them on games nights, but asked if James’ dog Ella “needed a walk” to get rid of to come to the table. .

While discussing the “competitive” game nights, Emily Dean – an author and animal lover – asked James about the tradition.

She said: “The Middletons are quite competitive and they love a game, don’t they? And then you let poor William play, and he thought it was too competitive and even made excuses.”

James responded, “It was after the family dinner, we were sitting there and the cards came out, and (he would) maybe see if Ella needed a walk or made an excuse to leave the table.

“The racing demon is probably the fastest and most competitive we all play together.”

He also revealed that William was often very clumsy at family gatherings, adding: “Ella gives (William) a good excuse to escape the fiercely competitive nature of the Middleton family, which comes to the fore every time we meet our favorite fast card play. game, racing demon.

“William cringes at our ruthless determination to win at all costs. He is happy to come out on top, and when he is no longer obliged to participate, he sneaks off to hug Ella.

‘I think he would rather withdraw from the game altogether. “James, does Ella need a walk?” he asks before we’ve even started dealing the cards.

“My sisters and I exchange a knowing look: William, for all the competitive rigor of his military training, is happy to be a loser at cards.”

The competitive and ambitious streak seems to run through Middleton’s veins, with both Pippa and Kate having enjoyed beating their opponents in school sporting events.

The sisters were both on the hockey team as teenagers, although Princess Kate was team captain during her years at Marlborough College in Wiltshire. Kate was also a star tennis player and a keen netball player.