On April 15, 2026, James Middleton, the younger brother of the Princess of Wales, celebrated his 39th birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post featuring his wife, Alizée Thevenet. The images, which showcased the couple enjoying a mountaintop outing accompanied by their six dogs, drew attention not just for the picturesque backdrop but also for Alizée’s stylish attire—specifically a brown leather vest that has an intriguing backstory linked to the royal family.
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This particular vest, made by the British brand Hidepark, has been previously worn by none other than Kate Middleton, now known as the Princess of Wales. According to fan blog Middleton Maven, the vest made its debut in March 2006 when Kate wore it to support her then-boyfriend Prince William at an old boys’ match at Eton College, his former school. At the time, she paired the quilted piece with a matching sweater, skinny jeans, and knee-high brown boots, creating a look that was both casual and chic.
In the recent photos shared by James, Alizée styled the vest quite differently, opting for a more modern twist by layering it over a chambray shirt and bright yellow sweater, accessorised with a hat, shearling mittens, and hiking boots. This contemporary take showcases Alizée’s flair for fashion while simultaneously paying homage to the royal family’s previous wardrobe choices.
Interestingly, the vest’s history doesn’t end with Kate. Reports suggest that Pippa Middleton, Kate’s sister, has also been seen wearing the garment on previous occasions. This pattern of reusing beloved pieces among family members highlights not only sustainability but also the deep-rooted connections shared among them.
Alizée Thevenet, a French fintech analyst, married James Middleton in 2021. The couple welcomed their son, Inigo, shortly thereafter, and they have since established themselves as a closely-knit family unit. In his birthday reflections on social media, James expressed his enthusiasm about entering the final year of his 30s, stating, “Every year feels like a bigger climb but reaching the top and seeing how far you’ve come never gets old.”
The couple’s chemistry has been apparent since they began dating in 2018, and Alizée has donned various pieces from her mother-in-law, Carole Middleton’s wardrobe on multiple occasions. One notable instance was at Royal Ascot in June 2025, where she complemented her outfit with a pale blue hat that Carole had previously worn to Prince Louis’ christening in 2018, further cementing the family’s penchant for reusing cherished attire.
Their shared love for fashion isn’t merely a private affair; it also fascinates royal watchers and fashion enthusiasts alike, who closely scrutinise their public outings and the sartorial choices made by the Middleton women. Alizée, especially, has quickly carved out a niche for herself by embracing both her French heritage and the stylistic cues from her royal family-in-law.
During her wedding to James in France in September 2021, Alizée made headlines by wearing Carole Middleton’s wedding dress from her own marriage to Michael Middleton in 1980. This choice of attire was viewed not only as a personal touch to her nuptials but also as a tribute to the strong bonds between Alizée and her mother-in-law.
As the Middleton family continues to navigate the intersection of royal life and fashion, the instances of borrowing and rewearing garments only serve to further intrigue followers of British royalty. Whether it’s a cherished vest from a prominent figure’s closet or a wedding dress steeped in family history, the Middleton women demonstrate a commitment to style that resonates well beyond the confines of their familial ties. Each piece tells a story, weaving a tapestry of tradition, elegance, and a modern approach to sustainability in fashion.