James Middleton, the brother of Princess Kate, has opened up about his emotional struggles in his new memoir, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life. In a candid recount of his journey, he shares how a visit from his sister during a therapy session in 2018 left him feeling “overwhelmed.”
After battling depression for years, James faced some of his darkest moments in 2017, including thoughts of suicide. He described those feelings in stark terms, expressing a deep sense of despair and isolation during that time.
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In 2018, he asked both Kate and his sister Pippa to join him for a therapy session, marking the first time they fully grasped the extent of his struggles. “Having them there, wanting to help, made me cry,” he recalled. Despite his difficulty in opening up, their presence provided a sense of support.
James credits Kate’s charitable work in mental health for her insightful questions during the session, saying, “She understands so much. I’m overwhelmed.”
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This memoir is the first time Middleton has shared the details of that impactful session. He dedicates the book to his late dog Ella, who helped him navigate his hardest times. Now, he’s become an advocate for mental health and animal welfare.
James recently married financier Alizée Thevenet and welcomed their son Inigo in 2023. Alongside his sisters, he’s been present at significant royal events, including King Charles’s coronation earlier this year.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988, texting “988” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visiting 988lifeline.org.
Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life by James Middleton is available in the U.S. from Pegasus Books, released on September 26.