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Privacy Notice Kate Middleton’s brother, James, has opened up about his struggles with mental health in a heart-wrenching discussion ahead of the release of his first book. The Duchess of Cambridge shares a close bond with her younger siblings Pippa and James, who both played significant roles in her 2011 wedding to Prince William. Despite being fully immersed in Royal life now, the 42 year old hasn’t forgotten her joyful upbringing in the quaint village of Bucklebury. Prince William has always found solace in the tight-knit Middleton family, providing him with an ‘ordinary’ escape from the demands and grandeur of Royal life. Grandparents Michael and Carole are known to be actively involved in the lives of their grandchildren – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
James will open up about his mental health in his memoir
(Image: Getty Images)
When Kate was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, the Middletons rallied around the Wales family, offering them a much-needed ‘safety blanket’. However, when it came to discussing his mental health, James, 37, initially found it difficult to confide in his family. In his upcoming book Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, entrepreneur James discusses his battle with depression, which was accompanied by an ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) diagnosis, and how his cherished dog Ella helped him cope with suicidal thoughts during a period of profound despair, reports the Mirror. Pooch-loving James is a real-life hero when it comes to his work with Dog’s Trust and Pets as Therapy, where he fiercely promotes the importance of four-legged friends during tough times. Chatting with Hello! magazine, James, who has gracefully battled through mental health challenges and come out stronger, shared a heartfelt confession: “Only Ella gave me cause to keep living.”
James is the younger brother of Kate Middleton
(Image: Instagram/ @jmidy)
Sign up to OK!’s royal newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free Dealing privately with mental health struggles since 2017, James bravely stepped towards therapy and vital coping strategies, but was initially hesitant to open up to his family. In his own words: “I needed to understand it myself, and I knew that my family wouldn’t necessarily understand it.” Also, in the revealing interview, James, who tied the knot with French financial expert Alizee Thevenet in a dreamy 2021 ceremony, gave us a glimpse into the deep connection within his family during rocky times. He disclosed: “We are certainly a close family that goes through things together. That was the experience I had through my challenges, and I certainly feel like it’s something that her [Kate’s] family and our family are doing too.”
James is a huge fan of dogs as support when people are going through tough times
(Image: James Middleton/Instagram)
As for Royal gossip, James’s upcoming book, hitting stores next week, dishes on the sweet moment he and sister Pippa found out their eldest sibling was set to become the nation’s future Queen consort. Gracing readers with a slice of Middleton family life, an excerpt in the Mail Online shows James reminiscing about the buzz just ‘a day or so’ before William and Kate’s Royal engagement was broadcasted in November 2010. James shared a touching memory: “Catherine, Pippa and I go out for a walk with Ella and Tilly to our local pub in a village near Bucklebury. We sit in a corner, chatting quietly. Pippa and I want to be visibly excited, but we have to tamp down our emotions so no one suspects a thing. We make a quiet acknowledgement that we’ll always be there for each other, look out for one another, support each other. No matter how crazy things get.”
James said that he’s close with his family, including his parents
(Image: WireImage)
This heartfelt pledge must have been at the forefront of James’ thoughts when Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis, leading him to write an emotional Instagram post in tribute to the princess he always considers his sister first. Posting an adorable throwback photo of himself with Kate against a scenic mountainous background, James expressed: “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too.” 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 OnJames MiddletonKate MiddletonPrince GeorgePrince LouisPrince WilliamPrincess Charlotte
