It's a big year for royal books, and today marks the release of *Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life*, a memoir by James Middleton, Kate Middleton's brother. The book focuses primarily on James' cherished dog, Ella, and his personal journey with mental health. However, his family—sisters Kate and Pippa, and parents Carole and Michael—feature throughout. In the introduction, James writes, "My sisters, Catherine and Pippa, are, respectively, five and three years older than me. Growing up surrounded by three strong, capable women felt like having three mothers, and I would rely on Catherine and Pippa for advice."

James continues, "I know, too, that Ella gives him a perfect excuse to escape the fiercely competitive nature of the Middleton family, which always comes out when we play our favorite fast-paced card game, Racing Demon. The game uses multiple decks of cards and is often described as a more cut-throat version of solitaire. Our family has enjoyed it for generations. My paternal grandmother was so good that even in her early eighties she would still thrash us.

"William flinches at our ruthless determination to win at all costs. He’s relieved to be the first one out, and as soon as he's no longer required to play, he sneaks off to cuddle Ella. I think he’d prefer to avoid the game entirely. ‘James, does Ella need a walk?’ he asks before we’ve even started dealing the cards. My sisters and I exchange a knowing glance: for all the competitive edge honed by his military training, William is content to lose at cards."