James Middleton, the entrepreneur and brother of Princess Kate, recently shared a deeply personal account of how his late dog Ella played a crucial role in his recovery from severe depression. Speaking candidly on This Morning with ITV hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary, James, 39, revealed that Ella helped him through some of his darkest moments when he felt unable to communicate with family and friends.
A Lifeline in the Dark
Diagnosed with depression in 2017, James confessed that it was not just the therapy sessions that helped him regain his life but also the unconditional companionship of his beloved dog. “Ella was the dog that I attribute to saving my life,” he explained. “During that time, I couldn’t connect with anyone, I couldn’t express myself. But somehow, Ella understood. I could talk to her when I couldn’t talk to anyone else.”
He described how his dog’s presence provided him comfort during therapy sessions when words failed him. “I couldn’t say certain things out loud, so my therapist suggested, ‘Go home and talk to Ella.’ It was Ella who helped me open up and say things I hadn’t been able to voice,” he shared. This emotional support from his dog gave James the strength to face his depression head-on, ultimately leading him to recovery.
The Early Struggles and Overcoming Stigma
Reflecting on his mental health journey, James admitted that the depression had been part of his life for much longer than he initially realized. “I think it was always there. Growing up in a privileged family, I didn’t think I had a right to feel depressed. I thought, ‘What do I have to be sad about?'” he said, adding that it took him a long time to accept the condition and begin addressing it.
He went on to explain how, despite his seemingly perfect life, he often felt like he didn’t fit in. “It’s a cancer of the mind,” he said, discussing the stigma he felt. “I was made to feel like a failure when I wasn’t. It was like being forced to fit into a mold that didn’t suit me, especially during my school years.”
James’s feelings of inadequacy were compounded by his inability to talk to family members. He explained that, even though his family knew something was wrong, he struggled with embarrassment and stigma. “It was hard for me to talk to my family,” he admitted. “I was scared of being judged. I was embarrassed because of my background.”
But through therapy and the unwavering companionship of Ella, James began to understand that mental health struggles are universal, regardless of one’s external circumstances. “It’s something that we all have, and it’s our responsibility to take care of it,” he said.
The Healing Power of Dogs
James credited not only Ella but also his new dog Isla for helping him regain his sense of self. “Dogs have a unique way of communicating without words,” he said. “Isla and Ella don’t need words to communicate with me. They know when I need support, and they get me out of bed, go for walks, and keep me grounded.”
This daily routine of walking with his dogs allowed James to experience simple joys, reminding him that living in the moment is a lesson that humans often forget. “They don’t try to impress anyone. They’re just themselves. I think we could all learn something from that,” he reflected.
Having a pet has not only been therapeutic for James but also essential in his recovery. “Just getting out of the house and seeing my dog happy, even on the rainiest days, would give me a serotonin boost,” he recalled. “Ella helped me put one foot in front of the other when I didn’t feel like getting up.”
The Role of Ella in His Personal Life
James’s bond with Ella went beyond therapy sessions. “Ella was more than just a dog,” James said. “She was a constant in my life. She was my companion through my teenage years, into adulthood, and even through my marriage. When I got married, Ella was there by my side, and then she passed away right before we found out that my wife was expecting.”
James admitted that losing Ella was one of the hardest moments of his life. “I’ll never try to replace her,” he said. “She was always there for me, even when I couldn’t be there for myself.”
Finding Love Through Ella
Interestingly, James’s connection with Ella also played a role in his romantic life. In 2014, Ella’s curiosity led James to meet his future wife, Alizée. He recalled the moment fondly: “Ella made a beeline for Alizée at the South Kensington Club. I went over to apologize, but Alizée thought I was the waiter. She was stroking Ella while ordering her drink. I was embarrassed, but it turned into the best thing that ever happened to me.”
In 2021, James shared with The Telegraph that he had never expected to meet someone like Alizée but was forever grateful that Ella had helped make their paths cross.
Ella’s Legacy: Starting Ella & Co
In 2020, James founded his own dog food brand, Ella & Co, in honor of his beloved dog. He named it after Ella as a tribute to the impact she had on his life. The company’s website details how Ella’s presence during therapy was pivotal to his recovery. “She came to every single therapy session. Just having her by my side helped me tremendously,” James wrote.
He credits Ella for not only saving his life but also for helping him reconnect with his family. “Ella encouraged me to get the help I needed. She was there when I couldn’t reach out to anyone else.”
A Message of Hope for Others
James’s story is one of resilience and hope. Through his struggles with depression, Ella and his other dogs have taught him invaluable lessons about living in the moment and accepting the help we need, whether from people or animals.
“I believe Ella is a large reason I was able to overcome the struggles with my mental illness. She taught me that love and support don’t always have to come in the form of words,” he concluded.
As he continues his mental health advocacy, James encourages others to seek help when needed and to find their own sources of support, whether it’s a pet or a trusted friend. “I’m living proof that there is hope and a way through the darkness.”
This powerful message serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that sometimes the greatest healing comes from the most unexpected sources.
