Kate Middleton's brother on 'complicated and powerful bond' with Princess
James Middleton says his sisters, the Princess of Wales and Pippa, have been his greatest support in his darkest moments
To the country, she's a beloved icon and future queen consort. However, for James Middleton, she is simply his elder sister Kate.
In an uncommonly personal disclosure, the 38 year old has spoken candidly about how the Princess of Wales has been a pillar of support in his life, regardless of her packed schedule.
In his words, James shared the touching way in which Kate, aged 43, alongside their sibling Pippa, who's 41, were instrumental during his times of difficulty.
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"I'm incredibly fortunate to have my two sisters, not just as siblings, but as friends," he remarked.
"They've seen me at my best and at my lowest, and they've always been there when I've needed them.
"Sibling love is something unique, you can't choose your siblings, it can be complicated, it takes work, but when it's strong, I believe it's one of the most powerful bonds there is.", reports the Mirror.
James highlighted that, despite the regal persona she presents, Kate possesses a deep sensitivity, strength and emotional intelligence.
He reflected on a severe mental health crisis back in 2017, which left him struggling with suicidal thoughts, and expressed immense gratitude towards the influential women in his life: Kate, Pippa, and their mother Carole, now 70.
"They've always been emotionally open, expressive, and in tune with the people around them, and I think being surrounded by that kind of emotional intelligence rubbed off on me, even if I didn't fully realise it at the time," James revealed.
He recognises that their example perhaps unconsciously granted him the freedom to embrace and articulate his emotions more freely.
"Looking back, I think it gave me permission, in a way, to feel things more deeply and to name those feelings when they came up."
James said: "That doesn't mean I always found it easy. In fact, like a lot of men, I struggled with expressing how I was doing when I was at my lowest."
He credits the women in his life for teaching him that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, addin: "But having strong women around me who led with compassion and honesty definitely helped me learn that vulnerability wasn't weakness, it was strength."
He continued: "It probably laid the groundwork for me being able to open up later on, whether in therapy, writing the book, or just in honest conversations with the people I love. And for that, I'm incredibly grateful."
James has fond memories of growing up in Berkshire with his parents, Carole and Michael. His sister, Kate, married Prince William in 2011 and is now a devoted mother to three children.
She has shown remarkable resilience, particularly during her cancer treatment, which she announced in March last year. Fortunately, she is now in remission.
James also credits his cocker spaniel, Ella, with helping him through a difficult time. "She gave me a reason to get up, to go outside, to care," he said.
Ella's life is celebrated in James's memoir, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life.
The idea for the book came after James and his wife, Alizee, discovered they were expecting their first child, shortly after Ella's passing in early 2023.
He revealed to Notebook magazine: "I've come to realise that grief isn't something you 'get over', it's something you learn to embrace. It becomes part of you.
"It helped me honour Ella's life and the massive imprint she left. I also hoped someone else who's grieving might feel a little less alone. The joy and the grief are intertwined".