Princess Kate’s brother James Middleton is set to publish a memoir.
The father-of-one will be releasing the book, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, on September 26, 2024.
Middleton’s book discusses his relationship with Ella, a cocker spaniel whom he adopted at the age of 20.
He cared for Ella for 15 years before her death last year.
James Middleton’s new book cover
Chris Terry
The 36-year-old has offered an insight into life with his pet, including his first meeting with his wife Alizee Thevenet.
The couple got engaged in September 2019, delaying the wedding twice due to Covid.
Middleton and Thevenet finally tied the knot in Bormes-les-Mimosas in 2021.
Thevenet has since joined her husband on several public engagements, including attending Kate’s annual Christmas carol service in 2021.
James Middleton is a huge dog lover
PA
Middleton, who welcomed his first child Inigo last year, said he was inspired to write the book to honour their family.
He explained: “Writing this book has helped [me deal with the grief I have after Ella’s passing] by enabling me to process the journey that Ella and I went on.
“Ella was there at so many of the important moments of my life, including when I met Alizee.
“Our son was born after Ella passed away so Inigo never got to meet her, but it’s important to me that he knows all about her.
James Middleton and his wife have welcomed their first baby last year
PA
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
“Another of the reasons that I wanted to write this book was so that I could tell Inigo the story of how I met his mother.”
He also shared how important Ella had been when it came to his mental health journey.
He continued to tell Tatler: “We’re often given the advice that it’s good to talk, but I know firsthand how difficult that can be when you’re struggling with something like clinical depression.
“My therapist suggested talking out loud to Ella as a first step, and through that, I realised how powerful it can be to put things into words.
James Middleton and Pippa Middleton attending the Coronation
PA
“It gave me the confidence to talk to others, and that was transformative.
“I hope that by writing this book, I might help other people to talk about their mental health – whether their difficulties are in the past, or something they’re experiencing currently.”
Speaking about his late dog, Middleton said: “Ella was so much more than just a dog – she was part of me, a true companion, my closest confidante, and very often my therapist.
“My life would not have been the same without her and I wanted to commemorate her and the way that she helped me reconnect with the world at a time when I felt lost.”
