Rashi Mehta
James Middleton talks about how his family has started talking more candidly about mental health issues. Discover behind-the-scenes insights into the royal family’s daily lives and their quest for increased compassion and understanding.
How His Pups Saved His Life
Although Princess Kate’s younger brother James Middleton is related to one of the most well-known families in the world, on a soggy June afternoon in Bucklebury, Berkshire, he is concentrating on a different brood: his six energetic dogs. These puppies, who are all descended from his first two cherished pets—the Middleton family dog, Tilly, and his adored cocker spaniel, Ella, who passed away in 2023—hold a particular place in his heart. Middleton’s poignant and open-minded new memoir honors Ella’s memory.
In it, Middleton, 37, talks about how Ella got him through some of his worst depressive episodes, including a night in 2017 when he came dangerously close to taking his own life. From his sister’s 2011 royal wedding to Prince William to their Christmases spent with the late Queen Elizabeth, Ella stood by his side through many significant life events. She even played matchmaker, helping him find his 35-year-old French financial technology expert wife, Alizee Thevenet. Inigo, the couple’s son, was born only a few months after Ella’s death, turning one in October.
After receiving diagnosis for dyslexia, ADD, and clinical depression, Middleton now devotes all of his efforts to James & Ella, a dog food company that produces ethical dog food and promotes the helpful role that dogs can play in trying times. Ella was Middleton’s ray of hope when, on a terrifying night in November 2017, he thought about jumping from the roof of his London apartment building. Middleton’s troubles are extensive.
“It took me on a journey,” “I hope that my son is able to learn about his own mental health way before I did so that he doesn’t have to go through some of the very painful moments that I went through.” James stated.
James Middleton Talking About His Royal Family
His sisters, Kate, 42, and Pippa Middleton, 41, as well his parents, Michael and Carole, were quickly by his side. In light of his family’s response to the disclosures in his book, he says, “A hug from a family member means more than words.” Despite the fact that we are a tight family, it has united us. I’m sure they’re pleased with me for sharing my experience.
“We speak more openly now about our own mental health as a family. That is a great thing,” he says.
Middleton was originally brought to the attention of the world during Kate and William’s 2011 royal wedding, much like his sister Pippa. He granted their request to read in the Westminster Abbey ceremony, even though he struggles with dyslexia. Before the big day, he worked with vocal coach Anthony Gordon Lennox (with Ella by his side) to get ready.
James Middleton’s Love Story Which Started Because of His Dog
Middleton’s unwavering “rock” of a wife is Alizee, whom he met by accident in a Chelsea club when Ella happened to meander over to her table. In 2021, the pair got married in a small ceremony in the South of France, surrounded by their closest friends and relatives. Parenthood arrived shortly after Ella’s passing. Ella, the mother of Kate and Prince William’s first dog, Lupo, knew that Alizee was carrying a child, and he is “absolutely certain” of this. “And that was the appropriate moment to go astray in terms of timing.”
James said “One last gift that Ella gave me was leaving at a time when I was ready to let her go in a way,” . “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here today. I’m so thankful for that.”
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