James Middleton: 'We Speak More Openly Now About Mental Health as a Family' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

James Middleton with dogs Inka, Isla, Mabel, Nala and Zulu in Bucklebury, England, in 2024.Photo:Chris Terry

Chris Terry

James Middleton, the younger brother ofPrincess Kate, may be linked to one of the world’s most famous families, but on a rainy summer afternoon in Bucklebury, Berkshire, his attention is focused on a different brood: his six lively dogs.

These pups hold a special place in his heart, all descendants of his first two beloved pets — the Middleton family dog, Tilly, and his cherished cocker spaniel, Ella, who died in 2023. Ella’s legacy lives on in Middleton’s emotional and candid new memoir,Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, out in the U.S. on Sept. 24. (Read PEOPLE’s exclusive excerpt here.)

“It took me on a journey,” Middleton tells PEOPLE of writing his book in this week’s issue of PEOPLE. “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 Middleton with dogs Inka, Isla, Mabel, Nala and Zulu in Bucklebury, England, in 2024.Chris Terry

Diagnosed with clinical depression, ADD and dyslexia, Middleton now pours his energy into James & Ella, his company dedicated to producing ethical dog food and advocating for the supportive role dogs play in challenging times. Middleton’s own struggles are profound, and during a harrowing night in November 2017 when he considered jumping off the roof of his London apartment building, Ella was his beacon of hope, pulling him back from the brink.

“We speak more openly now about our own mental health as a family. That is a great thing,” he says.

Reflecting on his family’s reaction to his book’s revelations, he shares, “The embrace of a hug from a family member means more than words. We’re a close family, but it’s brought us together. I know they’re proud of me for telling my story.”

James Middleton with dogs Inka, Luna, Mabel, Nala and Isla in Bucklebury, England, in 2024.Chris Terry

“I became very passionate about doing it and loved a lot of the excursions that Ella, myself and Anthony went on to learn how to read it,” he recalls.

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“It was as if it was a royal wedding that I wasn’t at," he says. “It just felt like a family wedding.”

James Middleton seen making a reading during the royal wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England.Clara Molden/WPA Pool/Getty

Clara Molden/WPA Pool/Getty

Although his brother-in-law is the future king, William is fully integrated into the Middleton family.

“William has been fantastic in offering advice and support and giving his two cents on the best approach to things,” he says.

Of his sister Kate, he adds, “My love and respect for my sister is huge. I support her and everything that she’s doing. I recognize that there’s interest in my life because of who she is, and it took time to adjust. But I’m proud of who I am. It just so happens that my sister is who she is.”

Kate Middleton and James Middleton.GEOFF PUGH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images; Dave Benett/Getty Images

The Princess of Wales has been confronting her own battle with an undisclosed form of cancer. On Sept. 9 she shared thatshe has completed chemotherapyand is taking “each day as it comes.” When sheannounced her diagnosisin March, Middleton publicly showed his support on Instagram, writing, “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too.”

Reflecting on the situation in a park near their childhood home, he says, “There are huge numbers of people who go through [cancer]. It doesn’t matter who you are, what your upbringing is. Life throws you obstacles.”

He adds, “We are a close family. It is always important to have support around you and not do things alone. Sharing it does help bring people together. My love and support for my family is more than just an Instagram post.”

Alizee Thevenet and James Middleton in July 2022.David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty

David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty

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“One last gift that Ella gave me was leaving at a time when I was ready to let her go in a way," he adds. “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here today. I’m so thankful for that.”

source: people.com