James Middleton, brother of the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has opened up about his past struggles with suicidal thoughts in his upcoming book, ‘Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life’. The memoir details his intense emotional turmoil and the role his dog Ella played in his recovery.
In the book, Middleton describes periods of severe insomnia and mental distress, revealing how he felt trapped in a relentless cycle of anxiety and despair.“My mind was in constant upheaval, making sleep impossible,” he writes.
One particularly harrowing account involves a night in November 2017 when Middleton considered ending his life by jumping from a building in London. As he prepared to make the jump, he was stopped by the sight of Ella, his spaniel, watching him from below. Her presence was a pivotal moment, making him rethink his decision.
“I glance down the ladder again. Ella has not moved. Her brown eyes are still staring intently at me, soulful and pleading, and as my gaze locks on hers again, my brain quietens. In that instant I know I will not jump. What would happen to Ella if I died? How long would she wait alone in the flat for someone to find her?” he wrote.
“Seeing Ella’s concerned gaze, I realized I couldn’t leave her behind,” Middleton reflects. “I descended the ladder and comforted her. She is the reason I didn’t go through with it; she truly saved my life.”
James’ sister Kate has also recently completed her chemotherapy treatment after revealing her battle with cancer earlier this year. She expressed relief at finishing this challenging phase and is looking forward to returning to her public duties as she continues her recovery.
In the book, Middleton describes periods of severe insomnia and mental distress, revealing how he felt trapped in a relentless cycle of anxiety and despair.“My mind was in constant upheaval, making sleep impossible,” he writes.
One particularly harrowing account involves a night in November 2017 when Middleton considered ending his life by jumping from a building in London. As he prepared to make the jump, he was stopped by the sight of Ella, his spaniel, watching him from below. Her presence was a pivotal moment, making him rethink his decision.
“I glance down the ladder again. Ella has not moved. Her brown eyes are still staring intently at me, soulful and pleading, and as my gaze locks on hers again, my brain quietens. In that instant I know I will not jump. What would happen to Ella if I died? How long would she wait alone in the flat for someone to find her?” he wrote.
“Seeing Ella’s concerned gaze, I realized I couldn’t leave her behind,” Middleton reflects. “I descended the ladder and comforted her. She is the reason I didn’t go through with it; she truly saved my life.”
James’ sister Kate has also recently completed her chemotherapy treatment after revealing her battle with cancer earlier this year. She expressed relief at finishing this challenging phase and is looking forward to returning to her public duties as she continues her recovery.