Imagine losing a beloved family member – the kind of grief that cuts deep. For James Middleton, brother of the Princess of Wales, that loss was his dog, Ella. But what he's doing to keep her memory alive is truly touching and speaks volumes about the powerful bond between humans and animals. It's a story of love, loss, and unwavering devotion.
James Middleton has openly shared how Ella, his cherished canine companion who sadly passed away in January 2023, played a pivotal role in his mental health journey. He's stated unequivocally, "I owe a lot to Ella and I believe she is a large reason I was able to overcome the deep struggles I have had with my mental illnesses." This highlights the incredible therapeutic power animals can have. Last month, he revealed a beautiful sculpture of Ella's head that now graces his home. But here's the really special part: that's not the only way he keeps her close. According to reports, James carries a tiny, framed portrait of Ella with him everywhere.
Richard Eden revealed the touching detail: James, who married Alizée Thevent in 2021 and is now a father, commissioned a miniature painting of Ella. "My friend, the artist Holly Frean, painted a tiny portrait of her, no bigger than a postage stamp," James explained. This isn't just a picture; it's a tangible representation of a profound connection. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about remembering a pet; it's about honoring the unwavering support and unconditional love that Ella provided.
James further elaborated that this special image accompanies him to significant life events, including King Charles' coronation and even the birth of his son, Inigo. "I bring it with me to meaningful occasions: she's been to the King’s Coronation and Wimbledon and was even present at Inigo's birth." It's a beautiful testament to how deeply Ella impacted his life and how he continues to include her in his family's journey.
In fact, you can subtly spot the portrait in the photograph James shared announcing Inigo's birth in October 2023. Alongside the heartwarming image of Inigo holding the portrait, James expressed his overwhelming joy and gratitude, saying, "He has been in our lives for just a few weeks but they have been the most special of my life getting to know our beautiful baby boy. No matter how prepared I thought I was…I was not prepared for the overwhelming emotion of meeting Inigo for the first time and the love for my darling Alizée as we became three."
He continued, "We have settled into our new life as parents and I’ve told him all about Ella and that if it wasn’t for her he wouldn’t be here today and that we miss her greatly. The dogs have been fantastic at welcoming their little brother into the pack (although Inka needs to know the teddybears are not all for her…)." This beautifully illustrates how he's already weaving Ella's memory into his son's life. James also took a moment to thank the NHS, adding: "We would like to thank the wonderful team at Basingstoke hospital, from the very first scan to walking out the front door for the first time as three, we couldn’t have felt more supported and looked after throughout so thank you NHS."
Ella's presence is clearly felt throughout James' life. Beyond the photograph, she's even the star atop his Christmas tree! And, importantly, James' dog food and lifestyle company, aptly named "James & Ella," serves as a constant reminder of her influence and a way to share his love for animals with the world.
There's no doubt Ella's memory lives on vibrantly. James even confessed to bursting into tears when the sculpture of Ella arrived. "I was so emotional when I first saw her ‘she’s home’ I cried," he shared. "Photos are amazing to treasure but this sculpture captures her in a way no photo ever has, Inigo is captivated by her saying ‘bonjour’ every time he passes her." This adds another layer to the tribute, showcasing the impact Ella continues to have on his family, even on his young son.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that carrying a photograph is a bit much. Is it a healthy way to grieve, or does it risk dwelling too much on the past? Others might see it as a beautiful and deeply personal way to honor a bond that provided immense comfort and support. What are your thoughts? Do you have any special ways you keep the memory of loved ones alive, be they human or animal? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below!
