James Middleton has recently paid tribute to his late therapy dog Ella. She was an essential part of his story of living through mental health issues. Ella, who left this earthly realm in January 2023, offered solace and companionship to Middleton on many of his darkest days. To this day, he credits much of his recovery to her faithful companionship.
Middleton sculpted Ella’s memory into art by having a sculpture of Ella’s head made. Today, it occupies a place of honor in his house. He described the emotional moment when he first saw the sculpture, stating, “I was so emotional when I first saw her ‘she’s home’ I cried.” This article is intended as a long-lasting testimony to the deep friendship they had.
To further celebrate Ella’s memory, Middleton shared a black and white photo of himself cuddling her on the official Instagram page for his dog food and lifestyle company, James & Ella. The company, inspired by Ella, reflects his enduring love for the dog that changed his life.
Middleton has similarly discovered novel ways to hold Ella’s memory close within his family. Last Christmas, he placed a portrait of Ella at the top of his Christmas tree. He keeps a framed photograph of her with him. Always in the background, she has been there by his side through all the important milestones of his young life. “I bring it with me to meaningful occasions: she’s been to the King’s Coronation and Wimbledon and was even present at Inigo’s birth,” he shared.
His two-year-old son, Inigo, has too—mostly from learning about Ella’s importance. Middleton conveyed to Inigo that without Ella, he would not be where he is today. Sharing those memories builds a bridge between our struggles in the past and our joy today. It speaks to the enduring example Ella provided each of them.
In accepting the award, Middleton thanked Ella for giving him cover during the stormy times. He stated, “I owe a lot to Ella and I believe she is a large reason I was able to overcome the deep struggles I have had with my mental illnesses.”
To celebrate these achievements, Middleton commissioned a miniature portrait of Ella from his friend, artist Holly Frean. He added a sculpture that he commissioned and personal mementos to the collection. “My friend, the artist Holly Frean, painted a tiny portrait of her, no bigger than a postage stamp,” he noted.
James Middleton pays tribute to Ella’s legacy with tributes and memories. Along the way, he shares his experience as a dad and mental health awareness activist. Even as he chronicles her tale to everyone in earshot, the bond is clear, his love unabashedly crawling off the screen to touch us.
