The Princess of Wales's brother has revealed "all his family" came together to grieve as he buried his beloved dog Ella, who he credits with "saving his life".
Heartbroken James Middleton took to Instagram just over a week ago to say he was "just about holding it together" after the death of his cocker spaniel Ella.
The 35-year-old previously credited Ella, the first dog he ever owned, as helping him to overcome his mental health struggles after accompanying him to therapy sessions.
The dog was also the mother of Prince William and Kate's dog Lupo, who died in 2020, and also became a therapy pet.
And in a personal essay, James revealed how Kate and their other sister Pippa were at his side as he bid a final farewell to Ella.
Writing in the Sunday Times, he revealed: "Burying her; that was the worst. It took me four hours because I knew once I had finished digging, that would be the final farewell.
"All the family came to say their goodbyes. I can’t speak for them but I believe she influenced their lives too. Lupo, Catherine and William’s dog, was one of Ella’s puppies. My sister Pippa and her husband have a pup from Ella, as do other family members.
"My sisters came to some of my therapy sessions. They’ve always been there during difficult times and they were at my side during the hardest of times as well. For that, I am forever grateful."
James also revealed in the essay how Ella passed away after being diagnosed with kidney cancer and how she lived out her final three months with her owner allowing her to do the things she enjoyed most.
He added: "Having shared my story, the one thing I think we can all agree on, is that the worst thing about having a dog is that they are only with us for part of our life. They can never be there for the whole of it."
James is known for his love of dogs and also set up Ella&Co - a natural dog food brand.
He also breeds dogs and is believed to have gifted William and Kate their current black cocker spaniel Orla.
Prince George, nine, and Princess Charlotte, seven, are understood to have helped pick Orla from a litter of puppies.
The adorable cocker spaniel featured in Charlotte's official birthday portraits that were snapped by Kate last spring.
The Royal Family has long been known to be dog lovers, with the late Queen having owned several corgis throughout her reign.
The former monarch's love for corgis began during her childhood after her father King George VI brought home a Pembroke Welsh corgi puppy.
