James Middleton may be instantly recognisable as the younger brother of the Princess of Wales, but he is also well-known for his love of dogs. In addition to his book Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, James also has his own dog food brand, James & Ella, named after the dog he says saved his life during severe depression.

While many of James’ interviews focus on these business ventures, he has recently sat down with Hello Magazine to talk about what his life behind closed doors with his wife, Alizee, his son, Inigo, and his beloved dogs is like.

Living in a Berkshire farmhouse, not far from Princess Kate’s Windsor home, James has plenty of time to spend in the countryside with his young family. While James often talks about his four cocker spaniels and two golden retrievers, he has now opened up more about his young son, including his first word.

James told Hello: “His first word was 'woof'’. But he loves dogs, particularly Isla – he puts his arm around her neck and squeezes.

“He loves chatting to the animals – he shouts at the chickens and knows what noise a cow makes. He shares many of my loves – which are tractors, sheep and dogs."

James went on: "He spent the first year of his life thinking he was a dog. He'd crawl around on all fours, which was entertaining to watch."

James, 37, also explained that life in the farmhouse can be very busy. He told Hello: "Yes, getting up in the morning trying to feed six dogs and get Inigo fed and off to nursery is a challenge."

While it is clear James and his wife are besotted parents, it is also no secret that Prince William and Princess Kate’s children are also besotted with their young cousin.

Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, reportedly enjoy looking after Inigo. James said that the three children of his other sister, Pippa Matthews, also enjoy seeing the youngest member of their family.

In a previous interview with The Telegraph, James said: “The cousins all play their role in looking after Inigo – there's seven of them altogether at the moment.

"I think they're all impressed at how much of a mess Inigo can make."