Ooh la la! James and French lover move in together

WHILE experts are struggling to extricate us from the EU, the Duchess of Cambridge’s brother is deepening ties with our closest neighbour.

I can disclose that James Middleton has moved in with his French girlfriend, Alizee Thevenet, in West London, and friends say they could soon seal their entente cordiale with a wedding.

‘They started living together a few months ago and are going strong,’ confirms a close friend of James.

Another pal tells me: ‘He seems finally to have found “The One”. We all expect an engagement announcement before long.’

James, 32, who is considered to be one of the most eligible bachelors in Britain, met the 29- year- old City worker last year in a chance encounter — brokered by his dog.

A friend revealed that Alizee had no idea who James was when she struck up a conversation with him at the South Kensington Club after saying hello to his cocker spaniel, Ella.

The pal told this newspaper at the time: ‘After Alizee went back to her table, James asked the waiter to give her a note saying: “I never normally do this, but would you like to go for a drink with me?” He also picked up their tab. A few weeks later, they went out for a drink together.

‘It wasn’t until after they’d met for a drink that Alizee realised who he was — one of her friends had to tell her. They met thanks to Ella.’

The couple were spotted kissing during his New Year family getaway to the Caribbean island of St Barts in January.

Miss Thevenet is a keen skier who speaks four languages, thanks to her time spent in countries including Chile, Indonesia and Belgium while growing up.

She moved to Britain six years ago and has a master’s degree in investment and finance from Queen Mary University of London.

James split up with his on- off girlfriend, amiable actress Donna Air, at the beginning of 2018 after a five-year romance.

The couple declined to comment.