James Middleton Shares Update on Sister Catherine, the Princess of Wales
In a recent interview with NBC News’ Kelly Cobiella, James Middleton, the younger brother of Catherine, the Princess of Wales, provided a heartfelt update on his sister’s health following her completion of cancer treatment. This update comes after a challenging period for the royal family, marked by Catherine’s public announcement of her diagnosis earlier this year.
A Sibling’s Support
During the interview, which aired on TODAY on September 26, James expressed his admiration for Catherine’s resilience. “She’s doing OK,” he stated, emphasizing that it wasn’t his place to divulge details about her health journey. “It’s not for me to share on her behalf, you know, how everything’s going. But she’s getting all the right support and focus that she needs. And like anything, it takes time to process,” he added, highlighting the importance of family support during difficult times.
The Journey Through Illness
Catherine first revealed her cancer diagnosis in March, following a planned abdominal surgery. In a show of solidarity, James shared a touching childhood photo of the two siblings on Instagram, captioning it with a message of encouragement: “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too.” This metaphor of climbing mountains resonated deeply with James, who explained, “I like the metaphor of climbing a mountain. It’s something that we’ve done as a family all of our lives. And you have to respect a mountain.”
In early September, Catherine announced that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment. Reflecting on the past nine months, she described the experience as “incredibly tough” for the family. “Life as you know it can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown,” she shared on X. Her statement was filled with gratitude for the support they received, noting, “Everyone’s kindness, empathy, and compassion has been truly humbling.”
Family Time in the Countryside
James Middleton’s interview took place in the picturesque English countryside, a place that holds special memories for him and his sisters. “We’re very lucky to spend time here. It was always my dream to move back,” he shared, reflecting on the importance of family and home during challenging times.
James Middleton’s New Book: “Meet Ella”
In addition to discussing his sister’s health, James also spoke about his new book, “Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life.” In this heartfelt memoir, he opens up about his struggles with clinical depression and dyslexia, and how his beloved dog, Ella, played a crucial role in his healing process. James recounted a poignant moment when Ella’s presence provided him with reassurance during a particularly dark time. “I scared myself,” he admitted, explaining how looking into Ella’s eyes helped him find a reason to keep going.
James described how speaking to Ella allowed him to articulate feelings he had never voiced before. “I would look at her, and I’d say something to her that I’d never said out loud before. And when you hear yourself saying it, you can start to make sense of some of the things,” he explained, emphasizing the therapeutic bond he shared with his dog.
A Gift of Love
Ella was not only a source of comfort during tough times but also played a role in James’s life during significant family events. He recalled how he practiced his readings for Kate and William’s royal wedding with Ella by his side. In a gesture of love, he gifted one of Ella’s puppies to the royal couple, further intertwining their lives.
James also acknowledged the support he received from Catherine and William, who have been involved in mental health charities. “Catherine and William had both been involved in mental health charities and works of which I got help from. They were a fantastic bridge for the family, for me to be able to translate how I was feeling,” he shared, illustrating the strong familial bonds that have been reinforced through shared struggles.
Strengthening Family Ties
Through the trials of illness and mental health challenges, James noted that these experiences have brought the Middleton family closer together. “The whole process has brought us closer, in many ways,” he reflected, underscoring the importance of unity and support in overcoming life’s obstacles.
James Middleton’s update on Catherine, alongside his own journey of healing and resilience, paints a picture of a family navigating the complexities of life together, drawing strength from one another in times of need.