James Middleton, the younger brother of Princess Catherine (Kate Middleton), opens up in his memoir, *Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life*, about a deeply personal moment at his sister’s royal wedding. James shares how he was both honored and anxious when asked by Kate and Prince William to do a Bible reading at their 2011 wedding, one of the most-watched events in modern history.
With just eight weeks to prepare, James—who has dyslexia—was nervous about speaking in front of such a large audience. Reading in public had always been a challenge for him, and this task stirred up memories of old anxieties. However, James was determined to overcome his fears and support his sister on her big day. To prepare, he worked with a voice coach, Anthony Gordon Lennox, who provided him with phonetic cues and tips on how to deliver the reading effectively.
On the day of the wedding, as James stepped into Westminster Abbey, he was awestruck by the grandeur of the venue. Despite the enormous pressure, he focused on the audience to stay composed, avoiding any nervous distractions from Kate or William. As he began the reading, his nerves eased, and the event turned out to be a success, with his reading broadcast to over a billion people worldwide.
James reflects on this experience as one of the most-watched Bible readings ever and how it led to an outpouring of messages and even invitations to perform readings at churches. For him, the moment underscored the importance of family support in overcoming high-pressure situations.
In his memoir, James also touches on how the Middleton family has been thrust into the public eye since Kate married into the royal family. He highlights his sister Pippa Middleton’s own share of attention, particularly during the royal wedding, and how the family has remained close-knit despite the pressures of public life. The bond between the siblings—Kate, Pippa, and James—remains strong, with all three continuing to support one another through personal milestones and public roles.
James’s entrepreneurial journey, including the founding of his dog food company, *James and Ella*, inspired by his pets, also features in the memoir. He candidly discusses his struggles with mental health and the importance of seeking professional help, as well as using his platform to advocate for mental health awareness.
James Middleton’s memoir offers a rare glimpse into life as a royal sibling, emphasizing themes of perseverance, family support, and the balance between public duties and personal life.
