ComScore

James Middleton Surprises Fiancée with Dramatic Makeover (and We Get a Glimpse Inside the Middleton Family Home)​​

Kate Middleton's youngest sibling James Middleton just underwent a complete transformation in order to surprise his fiancée, French financier Alizee Thevenet.

James, 33, posted a video of himself sitting in a truck outside his parents' home of Bucklebury Manor in West Berkshire. In the truck bed are James's beloved dogs. The only brother to the Duchess of Cambridge goes on to reveal that this month would've been his wedding to Thevenet, 30. Due to the ongoing crisis, however, they've had to postpone. So what's a groom-in-waiting to do? Well, shave his beard off, of course.

In the video, James reveals that Thevenet, whom he started dating in 2018, has never seen him without his beard, and this is the first time in seven years that he's completely shaved it off. He also says he's most worried about his dogs not recognizing him.

"As Alizee and myself were due to get married... well actually, this month," he says. "She's never seen me without a beard, so I thought it was about time I showed her what was behind it."

To an upbeat rap song that references Snapchat and Tinder called "Mambo Rap" by Parov Stelar (we knew you were wondering...), the youngest Middleton gets rid of all of his facial hair, then walks over to the back patio of his parents' home, where Thevenet is completely caught by surprise.

"Oh my god! So weird," Thevenet screams/laughs in shock as she jumps up from her chair. "Even when I kiss you it's different!" she says.

james middleton beard alizee kiss
@jmidy/Instagram

Carole and Michael Middleton also make a quick appearance, looking a bit less surprised but still very amused, and we get a glimpse into their stunning 7-bedroom Georgian-style home and estate called Bucklebury Manor that dates back to the 1830s.

james middleton bucklebury home
@jmidy/Instagram

The Middletons purchased Bucklebury Manor back in 2012, and Kate lived with her parents Carole and Michael right after giving birth to Prince George (it probably helped that she had her mum Carole assisting her with the new baby).

As James pans to the reaction shot in the vid, you can see a gorgeous garden with lots of flowers, a wheelbarrow full of weeds (what better time to spruce up the grounds!) and a table and chairs with a wine bottle and a beer (our kinda people!).

There's also a glimpse into the home through the open doorway covered in cream-colored curtains, and a living room with a gallery wall of photos can be seen inside.

alizee thevenet bucklebury home
@jmidy/Instagram

Who knew all these Zoom calls and beard-shaving Instagrams would give us such an insider look into the royals' (and royally related) homes?

Hey, we're not complaining. Not one bit.



RF1

Director, Branded Content + Cohost, Royally Obsessed Podcast

As Director of Branded Content at Gallery Media Group, Roberta helps oversee the ideation and execution of sponsored content and experiential campaigns across PureWow and ONE37pm, including PureWow’s 24 in ’24. She began her career in editorial nine years ago, and has written and edited countless articles on news, trends, fashion, beauty and the royal family. She’s also cohost of the Royally Obsessed podcast, named one of the best royals podcasts by The New York Times and Town & Country. She cowrote the book Royal Trivia: Your Guide to the Modern British Royal Family.

news
/ Clara Stein
Reese Witherspoon Posts 9-Word Anxiety Hack on IG and It's Honestly Genius
news
/ Rachel Bowie
Princess Eugenie’s Unique Engagement Ring Was on Full Display at Recent Outing—Here’s Why It Reminds Us of Princess Diana’s
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Kensington Palace Posts Pensive Photo of Prince William in Deep Thought
news
/ Danielle Long
This New Medical Drama Just Got Renewed for Season 2—Here's Why It’s a Must-Watch for Mystery Lovers
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Royal News Roundup: Prince William’s Mysterious Portrait, New Royal Baby Photos & More
news
/ Rachel Bowie
Wait, Did Princess Beatrice Just Share More Baby Pics of Athena? We Spotted 2 Hidden Snaps
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Duchess Sophie Stuns in Lavender Suit for a Royal Cause That Has Ties to Meghan and Harry
news
/ Danielle Long
Serena Williams Just Dropped Her ‘Ins & Outs’ List for 2025—And One ‘Out’ Has Fans Spiraling
news
/ Danielle Long
This Hollywood Icon Is Joining 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 5—and Fans Are Freaking Out
news
/ Danielle Long
New Royal Birthday Portrait! Sweden’s Little Prince Is His Dad’s Mini-Me
news
/ Danielle Long
Martha Stewart’s Posts Controversial Sandwich Recipe on IG and Leaves Fans Baffled
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Prince William Has an Exciting New Role (& Prince George Has Some Hilarious Advice)
news
/ Danielle Long
Sofia Vergara Posts Gorgeous AGT Snap (& I'm Getting Serious '90s Vibes)
news
/ Greta Heggeness
King Charles’s Body Language Speaks Volumes in New Photo With Queen Camilla
news
/ Danielle Long
Jenna Ortega’s Glass Dress Is as Dazzling—And Dangerous—As It Looks
news
/ Clara Stein
I Think I Just Figured Out Reese's Book Club's April Pick (& You're Going to Want a Copy)
See More