James Middleton gives insight into childhood with Kate and bravely opens up on ‘colour of life’ being ‘sucked away’

James Middleton has shared an insight into his childhood with his sister, the Princess of Wales as he reveals heartbreaking details about suffering from depression.

In a fresh interview, as he promotes his new book Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, James shared how “fantastic” his childhood was with his sisters Kate and Pippa.

The 37-year-old told The One Show that he is “fortunate” to have two older “loving sisters” who “always welcomed” him.

He said: “For us as a family we spent so many holidays here [in the Lake District]. My childhood was fantastic, I was so fortunate to have two older, loving sisters – they always welcomed me.

“As well as my family, animals have always been important to me. I was struggling in the classroom and I think I connected with animals and nature so I found myself more comfortable being outdoors and among wildlife.

“I found out that I was dyslexic, and it was made all the more challenging with my sisters always getting good grades and me coming the bottom of the class.”

In a video, James also opened up on his clinical depression which he described as “the colour in my life being sucked away.”

It comes as the entrepreneur releases his book about his relationship with his cocker spaniel, Ella, who, he writes, played a crucial role in saving his life.

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He wanted to share his memories of Ella with his son, creating a lasting tribute to the dog who had been such an important part of his life.

His book includes how his pet helped him turn away from his suicidal thoughts on an evening in 2017.

James told the BBC show: “In my 30s, I was diagnosed with clinical depression, but with the companionship with my spaniel, Ella helped me through it.”

He added: “Depression is a hard one to explain, all the colour in my life was sucked away, and I got no sense of enjoyment from anything.

“I was seeing just a steady decline and I realised something, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, that was consuming me.

“Ella reminded me that life was worth living.”

The book covers various adventures, including trips to Scottish mountainsides, royal weddings, and even how the spaniel played a part in James meeting his wife.

James hopes to raise awareness about mental health issues and the therapeutic benefits of companionship.