The Princess of Wales‘ brother James Middleton has unveiled the cover of his upcoming book about his dog, who he credits with ‘saving his life’.
The 37-year-old businessman, who lost cocker spaniel Ella last year after they spent 15 years together and has named his forthcoming memoir: Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life.
The book will tell his story through his relationship with his beloved pet, and will also reveal how the entrepreneur wanted ‘nothing more than a dog of his own’ as a child.
It will also include tales of how James would write letters to parents Michael and Carole asking them if they could get a pet, and tell stories featuring his sisters Kate and Pippa, as well as his romance with wife Alizee.
James sadly lost Ella last year after they spent 15 years together and has named his forthcoming memoir: Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life
James appeared at the Goodwoof event in Chichester, West Sussex last weekend where he unveiled the book’s cover
Today the youngest Middleton revealed the heartwarming cover for the book on Instagram, which features James dressed in a blue chequered shirt with Ella wrapped around his shoulders.
James appeared at the Goodwoof event in Chichester, West Sussex last weekend where he unveiled the book’s cover.
Pictures from the event show him beaming as he is joined by his other pooches who sat in his personalised Babboe bike while he held up the new cover.
He wrote in a touching Instagram post: ‘For fifteen years Ella carried me over the obstacles life threw at me…but in our last moments together I carried her.
‘This photo means so much to me and I’ve chosen it to be the front cover of my upcoming book.
‘It was taken by my wife Alizee on one of our last walks together. I had tears in my eyes as I knew she was getting weaker by the day. But we enjoyed every last moment we could together.
James credits Ella (both pictured) with saving his life after he was diagnosed with clinical depression, which first hit him at the end of 2016
‘It was wonderful to release the cover @goodwoofdogs and really touched by how many of you came to hear me talk about the book and coping with the loss of a dog.’
Fans took to the comments to express their excitement for the release of the book and praised James for writing it.
One user wrote: ‘I know exactly what you mean. I’ve just lost my sweet boy after 17 years and we certainly lived through so much life together. I’m devastated and miss him so much
Another penned: ‘Huge congratulations James! So amazing you can share your story with others.’
A third said: ‘Can’t wait for this book. My dog is almost 17 y and has been my longest companion. I know his days are winding down and coming to an end.’
A fourth commented: ‘What a beautiful picture. I will definitely buy your book! I’m glad sweet Ella was always there for you.’
James, who welcomed son Inigo with Alizee last year, credits Ella with saving his life after he was diagnosed with clinical depression, which first hit him at the end of 2016.
James credits Ella for introducing him to his wife Alizee, as the pair met when the pup ‘made a beeline’ for her in 2018. Above: The pair pictured in 2019
In a clip shared online, James said: ‘I credit Ella to saving my life when I was eclipsed with Clinical depression, she introduced me to my wife, gave me purpose and loved me unconditionally.
‘I know many of you have your own Ella’s or might be in need of one now and I hope this book will also help us to talk more openly about our mental health, our need for connection, and the way in which the animals that we think we are taking care are always looking after us in return.’
In 2020, James also launched dog food brand Ella&Co, named after his black cocker Spaniel.
He credits Ella for introducing him to his wife Alizee, as the pair met when the pup ‘made a beeline’ for her in 2018.
Writing in the Telegraph, James, who was ’embarrassed’, went over ‘to apologise and bring Ella back’.
He recalled how Alizee thought he was a waiter and ‘ordered her drink while continuing to stroke Ella, who at this point was on her back lapping up the attention.’
Fans took to the comments to express their excitement for the release of the book and praised James for writing it
He continued: ‘Little did I know, but I had just met my future wife, all thanks to Ella.
‘If I hadn’t trusted Ella, I wouldn’t have brought her to the South Kensington Club and she wouldn’t have been able to say hi to the woman who became my fiancée.’
Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life is available to pre-order in Britain and the US and it will be released on September 26.
The synopsis reads: ‘Meet Ella traces the extraordinary bond between James and his beloved first pup, Ella.
‘From their enchanting introduction when James was just twenty, to attending royal weddings and being guests at Highgrove and Sandringham, their journey is marked by love, loyalty, and unexpected twists of fate.
‘Ella, the well-mannered and kind-natured companion, accompanied James everywhere, even playing a pivotal role in introducing him to his future wife, Alizee.’
