James Middleton, the younger brother of Princess Kate, is set to release a deeply personal biography that pays tribute to his late cocker Spaniel, Ella.
The book, titled “Meet Ella, the Dog Who Saved My Life,” will hit the shelves on September 26, and fans are eagerly anticipating its arrival.
Recently, Middleton took to social media to unveil the book’s cover, sharing a heartfelt message about the inspiration behind his writing.
Ella, who passed away last year, was more than just a pet; she was a constant companion for James, having been adopted when he was just 20 years old.
Their bond lasted for 15 wonderful years, and now, through this book, he hopes to share their journey.
In a playful nod to the age-old adage, James quipped, “Don’t judge a book by its cover, but in this case UCAN.”
He revealed the cover at the GoodWolf Dogs’ My Favorite Dog event, a fitting venue given the book’s theme.
Attendees had the chance to hear James discuss his work and share stories about Ella, making it a memorable occasion for dog lovers and fans alike.
The biography delves into how Ella influenced pivotal moments in James’s life, including his adventures in the Scottish Highlands and the day he met his wife, Eliza Thevenet.
The couple became engaged in September 2019 but faced delays before finally tying the knot in Bournemouth in 2021.
Since then, Eliza has been warmly welcomed into the royal family, even attending Princess Kate’s Christmas Carol concert alongside James.
Last autumn, James and Eliza celebrated the arrival of their first child, a son named Inigo.
Although Inigo never had the chance to meet Ella, James feels it’s essential for his son to learn about the dog that played such a significant role in his life.
He expressed a desire to share the story of how he and Eliza fell in love, with Ella as a backdrop to their journey.
Writing this book has been a therapeutic process for James, allowing him to navigate the grief following Ella’s passing.
He shared with Tatler that Ella was present during many crucial moments, including his engagement to Eliza.
The emotional weight of losing her has been profound, but through this project, James is finding solace.
In his reflections, James highlighted the importance of mental health, particularly in the context of his struggles with clinical depression.
He recounted how his therapist encouraged him to vocalize his feelings to Ella, which helped him articulate emotions that were often difficult to express.
This unique approach not only aided his healing but also underscored the profound impact pets can have on our mental well-being.
As the release date approaches, excitement for “Meet Ella” continues to build.
