21 April 2023 , 18:23
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The Princess of Wales' brother has opened up about his devastating loss, following the death of his beloved dog Ella, who he credits with "saving his life".
Heartbroken James Middleton revealed earlier this year that "all his family" came together to grieve as he buried his pooch who he says with helping him through the darkest days of his depression.
The businessman, 36, was “just about holding it together” after the death of his cocker spaniel in January.
And now the brother of Princess Kate has taken to Instagram to open up on how he’s been coping since losing Ella.
James took to his social media to tell fans how he’s getting ready for the Goodwoof Festival - a celebration of "all things dog" that takes place from 20 to 21 May.
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James Middleton alongside his late dog Ella (Humphrey Nemar)
James paid tribute to beloved Ella when she died earlier this year (jmidy/Instagram)He shared a clip of highlights from a previous year's event. The video featured footage of Ella with a host of doggie treats.
"It's one month until the BEST doggy day out @goodwoofdogs festival," he shared, before giving fans a discount code for the event.
He then confessed how he was feeling about the upcoming event and attending without his beloved Ella.
"It really is a very special day out, with or without a dog! It will be sad to not have Ella with me, as she had such a fantastic time last year,” he wrote.
"But I will have the rest of the pack with me, and especially delighted @petsastherapy_uk are the official charity partner this year - hopefully I will see you there!"
James previously credited Ella, the first dog he ever owned, as helping him to overcome his mental health struggles after accompanying him to therapy sessions.
James previously credited Ella for helping him through personal struggles (Dave Benett/Getty Images for The Birley Clubs)The dog was also the mother of Prince William and Kate's dog Lupo, who died in 2020 and also became a therapy pet.
Earlier this year, James revealed how Kate and their sister Pippa were at his side as he bid a final farewell to Ella.
Writing in the Sunday Times, he told: "Burying her; that was the worst. It took me four hours because I knew once I had finished digging, that would be the final farewell.
"All the family came to say their goodbyes. I can’t speak for them but I believe she influenced their lives too. Lupo, Catherine and William’s dog, was one of Ella’s puppies. My sister Pippa and her husband have a pup from Ella, as do other family members.
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"My sisters came to some of my therapy sessions. They’ve always been there during difficult times and they were at my side during the hardest of times as well. For that, I am forever grateful."
James also revealed in the essay how Ella passed away after being diagnosed with kidney cancer and how she lived out her final three months with her owner allowing her to do the things she enjoyed most.