Kate Middleton’s Brother Speaks About the Emotional Toll of Her Romance with Prince William

James Middleton, the brother of Kate Middleton, recently opened up about the pressures and challenges he faced when his sister’s relationship with Prince William pushed him into the spotlight. In a candid piece for the Telegraph, James shared his battle with mental health, expressing his gratitude for the unwavering support he received from his sister and brother-in-law.

Reflecting on his experiences, James admitted, “I found my 20s really challenging. I’ve only figured out who I am after going through depression.” He acknowledged that while these struggles were difficult, they ultimately taught him to appreciate life’s brighter moments.

When Kate and William’s relationship became public, James was thrust into a world he never sought out. He described the experience as being “famous by default,” feeling an enormous amount of pressure due to his sister’s newfound royal connection. “There was added pressure when Kate and William started dating,” he noted, emphasizing the unexpected impact their relationship had on his own life.

Last month, James discussed his mental health journey further in an interview with the Mirror, ahead of the release of his upcoming memoir, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life. In his book, he dives deep into his struggles, revealing that he faced suicidal thoughts at one point. He credits his cocker spaniel, Ella, with helping him overcome his darkest moments, stating that the loyal dog played a vital role in saving his life.

The memoir not only chronicles his personal battles but also highlights the crucial support he received from his family, especially Kate. James recounted how he first opened up to his loved ones about his mental health challenges in 2017. Two years later, he bravely shared his story with the public, coinciding with Kate and William’s launch of the Heads Together mental health initiative.

“When I first publicly spoke about my depression, they were launching their Heads Together charity, and that was great for me to learn and understand and have a platform,” James shared. “I didn’t believe I was allowed to have mental health or depression, and that work was a good catalyst for me to want to speak out.”

James emphasized the importance of having a supportive family during difficult times, adding, “We are a close family, and through the experiences of my mental health and challenges we’ve faced over the years, we’ve learned to be a support for each other.”