James Middleton "Burst Into Tears" When Confronted by Princess Kate About His Depression
"Sometimes the closer someone is to you, the harder it can be for them to help."
![James Middleton with a beard and wearing a scarf and Kate Middleton wearing a cream sweater dress and looking sad, with long bouncy hair](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FZHRKDKkfb3Z4F87J4WoyP-1280-80.jpg)
James Middleton, Princess Kate's brother, has released his first book, in which he discusses everything from his interactions with Queen Elizabeth to his beloved dogs. Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life also frankly talks about James' experiences with depression, and how his sisters, Kate and Pippa Middleton, helped him.
During the September 30 episode of Bryony Gordon's podcast, "The Life of Bryony," James revealed how his siblings impacted his mental health journey.
"For much of the early part of my depression before I got help, I was pushing them away," James explained (via the Express). "And I think sometimes the closer someone is to you, the harder it can be for them to help."
He continued, "Once I'd sort of started the process, I understood everything a little bit more. And it was, you know, my therapist suggested getting my family involved and I wasn't quite ready to discuss with my parents at that point, but it was with my sisters who I think, you know, we're close siblings."
Pippa and James Middleton attend Wimbledon on June 24, 2013.
James then explained how he "burst into tears" when finally talking to Kate and Pippa about his depression, revealing that he felt "so much love" from them.
The Meet Ella author explained, "That was just so powerful for me in that step of recovery because they weren't being judgmental, they were really trying to help, and they could have, postponed it, delayed it, they both had their own busy lives and, they were with their grown-up brother who was struggling and it was a very moving moment that for me."
The important conversation between the three siblings was life-changing for James for many reasons.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"I can't really remember what we spoke about, but I remember the emotion and the feeling I had and the questions that they were asking, they were asking questions to help them understand," he said on the podcast.
"That was wonderful to hear, rather than just being told," James noted of his sisters' reactions. "And it was an understanding and learning journey for me, too."
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide please call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text TALK to 741741 or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
Amy Mackelden is the weekend editor at Marie Claire, where she covers celebrity and royal family news. She was the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR for three years, where she covered breaking celebrity and entertainment news, royal stories, fashion, beauty, and politics. Prior to that, she spent a year as the joint weekend editor for Marie Claire, ELLE, and Harper's BAZAAR, and two years as an entertainment writer at Bustle. Her additional bylines include Cosmopolitan, People, The Independent, HelloGiggles, Biography, Shondaland, Best Products, New Statesman, Heat, and The Guardian. Her work has been syndicated by publications including Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Delish, Oprah Daily, Country Living, and Women's Health. Her celebrity interviews include Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain, the cast of Selling Sunset, Emma Thompson, Jessica Alba, and Penn Badgley. In 2015, she delivered an academic paper at Kimposium, the world's first Kardashian conference.
-
Kylie Jenner Just Upstaged Timothée Chalamet at His Own Premiere
Valentine's Day came early for the couple.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Will Likely Make Their Joint Royal Debut at this Event
Fans might have to wait a while.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Are Joey and Monica Still Together After Becoming the Golden Couple of 'Love Is Blind' Season 8?
The pair may renew our faith in the dating show's experiment again.
By Abby Monteil Published
-
Meghan Markle’s Engagement Ring Is Apparently the Most Popular in the World
There was a vote and everything.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Why Princess Kate Was Shouted at by Inmates During Prison Visit
The Princess of Wales visited HMP Styal to learn more about its program for new and expectant mothers.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Kate Brings Back a Familiar Blazé Milano Coat After Palace's Rare Comment on Her Style
The Princess of Wales wore the same outfit during a hospital visit last month.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate are Skipping the 2025 BAFTAs Because of Their Kids
The royals are raising some eyebrows with the last-minute no-show announcement.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Louis Is "Showing Great Promise" With Hobby That Follows in Mom Kate's Footsteps
Like mother, like son.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Anne Follows in Kate Middleton's Footsteps With Emotional Hospital Visit
"Sadly, I don't have huge memories of being in here," the Princess Royal admitted.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Made a Heartbreaking Admission About His Childhood to Princess Kate After She Explained a Very Normal Activity
A new royal book reveals a "poignant" interaction between the couple.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate are Careful for Charlotte and Louis Not to Feel Like "Spares"
Royal expert Phil Dampier says the royals see Prince George as "first among equals."
By Kristin Contino Published