Middletons’ matches are made in heaven

Are the Middletons the luckiest family ever? Blessed with good looks, sunny dispositions and charm, they have always seemed the happiest of units.

They started a small kitchentable business dealing in party accessories that went on to make them millions, so they can add success to their good fortune. And above all this, as Jane Austen might say, they seem to be most fortunate in matrimonial matters.

Daughter One (Catherine) marries a future king. Daughter Two (Pippa) marries a multi-millionaire whose parents coincidentally own a highly desirable hotel on St Barts, the Middletons’ favourite holiday island. Divine!

Meanwhile, only son and youngest child (James) marries a rich and beautiful financial analyst called Alizée Thevenet and has his wedding reception at the Chateau Leoube in the South of France. Hello rosé nirvana!

James and Alizee seem utterly perfect for each other, in the way that some couples just do.

In her novel Mansfield Park, Austen calls marriage ‘a manoeuvring business’. But how marvellous if you can manoeuvre yourself into true love and some smashing good luck at the same time.

Well done, everyone.