Princess Kate’s younger brother, James Middleton, has written a compelling memoir outlining the highs and lows he has faced throughout his adult life, including details of his run ins with the royals and battle with depression, which will be released in the U.S. on September 26.
Middleton entered the spotlight after his sister’s 2011 wedding to Prince William, as he performed a bible reading during the ceremony which was watched by an estimated global audience of over 1 billion people.
In recent years, Middleton has opened up about his journey to being diagnosed with clinical depression, becoming an advocate for mental health support and also a champion for animal welfare.
The memoir, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, is dedicated to his late spaniel who he cred
In his memoir Middleton has discussed in-depth for the first time the events surrounding his sister’s royal wedding, including his nervousness after being asked to do a Bible reading during the ceremony.
“I remember walking into the Abbey – awestruck all over again by the grandeur and magnificence of it. Then, far sooner than I expected, there was my cue,” he wrote of the milestone moment, describing how he had undertaken public speaking lessons with a friend and had written prompts down on a paper copy of his speech to aid him.
“Then I turned the page of the Bible in front of me, and there it was. Someone, obviously thinking it lowered the tone, had concealed it. Relief washed over me. I waited until the great Abbey fell silent. Ten, perhaps even 15 seconds. Then I counted slowly to four and all that could possibly go wrong flooded into my mind. Were my flies undone? Would I have a coughing fit? Would my voice squeak or wobble?
“I didn’t cast a glance at Catherine and William, not wanting to exchange smiles with them in case I erupted into nervous giggles. I wanted to do them both proud.”
Middleton’s speech went without issue and he was widely praised for his composure under pressure.
