Princess Kate’s brother James Middleton has posted a heartfelt message about his beloved therapy dog, Ella.

Sharing on Instagram on Wednesday, the 37-year-old father uploaded a series of snapshots from a recent press event for his upcoming book titled “Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life.”

In his caption, James opened up about the story behind the cover image of his book, describing how the poignant photograph was taken during one of their final walks together.

“For fifteen years Ella carried me over the obstacles life threw at me…but in our last moments together I carried her,” he wrote. “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.”

He continued: “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. 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.”

James lost his Cocker Spaniel back in January 2023. Ella had been by James’ side for 15 years, and was a canine companion he credited with saving his life when he was facing battles with depression.

In January 2023, James tragically lost his Cocker Spaniel. Ella had been James’ faithful companion for 15 years, and he attributed her with saving his life during his struggles with depression.

Announcing the sad news of Ella’s death, James said on Instagram: “I’m just about holding it together to write this, and despite the fact I knew this day was coming, it doesn’t make it any easier.”

The entrepreneur then paid tribute to his wife, writing: “Alizee and the dogs will take good care of me.”

It’s been a bustling time for Princess Kate’s brother! In October of last year, James and his wife welcomed a baby boy named Inigo. The couple announced their joyful news on Instagram, posting an adorable carousel of images that included a snapshot of their newborn holding a tiny photo of Ella.

In his caption, he wrote: “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…”

Meanwhile, on 26 September, James’s memoir will hit the shelves. It will reveal how James, as a child, “wanted nothing more than a dog of his own” and how his pleas for a pup were answered via handwritten letters to his parents, Michael and Carole Middleton. 

The synopsis in part 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.”