In a heartfelt revelation, James Middleton, brother of Princess Kate, shared his candid response to a pivotal request from his sister ahead of her grand wedding to Prince William in 2011.
This interesting tidbit sheds light on the behind-the-scenes moments leading up to one of the most-watched royal events in history.
When Kate asked James to read from the Bible during the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, he responded with a succinct seven-word answer that hinted at both surprise and determination.
The request came as a shock to him, especially considering his struggles with dyslexia, which he has battled since childhood.
This personal challenge made the task feel even more daunting.
In his upcoming memoir, “Meet Ella, The Dog Who Saved My Life,” James reflects on this experience with humor and honesty.
He recalls thinking, “I mistook their jokes for one,” showing just how unexpected the request felt to him.
Despite his initial hesitation, he decided to embrace the challenge, reassuring himself that he wouldn’t let his sister and her new husband down.
The lead-up to the wedding was intense for James, who carried a copy of his reading everywhere he went for months, constantly practicing to ensure he would deliver it flawlessly.
He humorously described the struggle of rehearsing his lines, saying he often stumbled over syllables and mixed up words, which he lovingly referred to as his “archenemies.”
To prepare for the big day, James sought help from Anthony Gordon Lennox, a respected voice coach who had previously trained high-profile figures, including former Prime Minister David Cameron.
His beloved dog, Ella, was there for moral support during rehearsals, although she wasn’t allowed to accompany him into the Abbey on the wedding day.
On the day of the ceremony, as he stood in front of the congregation, James felt a wave of nerves wash over him.
However, seeing familiar faces in the crowd helped ease his anxiety.
He took a deep breath, focused, and began his reading, marking a significant moment in both his life and his sister’s.
Despite the grandeur of the occasion, James’s celebration was surprisingly low-key.
With millions tuning in worldwide, he found himself yearning for a simple post-wedding activity: slipping into a pair of jeans and taking Ella out for a leisurely walk.
It was a stark contrast to the royal festivities but reflected his genuine nature.
James admitted that he didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of the day until after the ceremony.
