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Privacy NoticeJames Middleton has surprised everyone by revealing he will be opening up about his battle with depression in his new book. James’ experience with his mental health will be written about in detail inside his memoir ‘Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life’ – which will be released tomorrow (Tuesday 24 September). With James, who is Princess Catherine’s younger brother, planning on opening up, a leading royal expert has given her opinion on why James believes it’s so important to tell his story. Speaking exclusively to OK!, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said: “I must admit I’m surprised that Catherine‘s brother has chosen to go so public with his battle with depression – – or indeed any aspect of his private life.”
James Middleton is about to release his new memoir detailing his battle with depression
(Image: Instagram/jmidy)
However, Jennie then added: “But I suppose it is very much in keeping with the ethos that it’s ok to be not ok, that it’s healthy to talk about mental health, and that heads together are much better than battling on alone. His story is one of hope: that there is a way back from even the darkest of places – especially with the support of a very loving family. “Catherine and Pippa were both clearly key to helping him recover. If he was happy to do so then, yes, it might prove very effective for James to work with William on some mental health campaigns. But he may not want that public profile. It’s just good to know that, with the right support, it is possible to see life in a more positive light.”
James has said his family have helped him through his ordeal
Sign up to OK!’s royal newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free In excerpts from the book, James admitted that during his most difficult times that he struggled to sleep, leaving him “utterly exhausted.” He continued to write: “I feel misunderstood; a complete failure. I wouldn’t wish the sense of worthlessness and desperation, the isolation and loneliness, on my worst enemy. I think I’m going crazy.”
James will tell his story in ‘Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life’
This isn’t the first time James has opened up about his depression. Over the years, he has made comments about his struggles. Back in 2019, James shared a post on Instagram that said: “Not that long ago I had forgotten what it was like to laugh with genuine happiness- today I don’t have to pretend to smile. I am not cured from depression – I don’t think there is one. However, I have learnt the tools to keep control.” Since he first spoke publicly about his battle, James has made it very clear that his dogs, Ella, Inca, Luna, Zulu and Mabel have played a key role in his recovery, as well as his wife Alizee Thevenet. If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this story you can contact Samaritans in the UK and Ireland on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnKate MiddletonJames Middleton
