James Middleton breaks silence on how Princess Kate helped him battle depression

The Princess of Wales has been hailed by her younger brother, James Middleton, for showing "so much love" during his recovery process from depression.

James, the youngest child of Michael and Carole Middleton, released a new book titled Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, in which he opened up about his battle with depression and how his spaniel Ella, who's now passed away, was instrumental in saving his life.

He also shared glimpses of his life behind the scenes, many of which involve his royal sister and other members of the Firm.

While promoting his book, James spoke on Monday's episode of The Life Of Bryony podcast, hosted by Bryony Gordon.

He praised both of his sisters, the Princess of Wales and Pippa Middleton, for being a crucial part of his recovery after they showed up and helped him through therapy.

James said: "For much of the early part of my depression before I got help, I was pushing them away. And I think sometimes the closer someone is to you, the harder it can be for them to help.

"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."

The youngest Middleton added that he "burst into tears" because he felt "so much love" from both of his sisters.

He 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."

James praised his sisters were asking him questions to "help them understand" in what he dubbed a "wonderful" moment between the three of them.

He said: "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.

"That was wonderful to hear, rather than just being told. And it was an understanding and learning journey for me, too."

Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life by James Middleton was published on September 26, priced £22 and you can buy it here.

The Life of Bryony podcast is available to listen to on all podcast platforms.