Princess Kate’s brother James Middleton has issued a touching tribute to his late dog Ella, who died in 2023.
Mr Middleton was distraught when his beloved dog died, having helped him deal with depression.
In a heartwarming tribute, he said: “My friend, the artist Holly Frean, painted a tiny portrait of her, no bigger than a postage stamp.
“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.”
Princess Kate’s brother issues touching tribute to late family member
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As reported by Richard Eden in the Daily Mail, the Princess of Wales’s brother immortalised his pet in a framed picture, which he carries at all times.
The 38-year-old wrote about Ella’s positive impact on his life in his book Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life.
In the book, Mr Middleton recounts how Ella inadvertently introduced him to his now wife, Alizee Thevenet, when she wandered over to her in a bar in Chelsea, London.
He also suggested that Ella sensed that Ms Thevenet was pregnant with their son, Inigo, who was born in October 2023.
James Middleton suggested that Ella sensed that Alizee was pregnant with their son, Inigo in his book
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Mr Middleton noted that he would like the therapeutic influence of dogs to be more widely recognised.
Speaking to Country Living last year, Mr Middleton said: “My ambition is to have dogs on prescription.
“I’d love doctors to be able to recommend that people suffering from low mood spend time with a therapy dog.
“I’ve worked with pets as therapy, a charity that organises visits to care homes, hospitals and schools, and it has been amazing to see how dogs bounce into a room and connect with people.
James Middleton believes that dogs could be a positive influence in the workplace
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“I’ve seen how beneficial dogs can be firsthand.”
He laid out a unique idea to improve productivity by allowing employees to bring their dogs to work.
Mr Middleton, who owns six dogs, explained that his plan would be hard for businesses to refuse.
He said: “Dogs in the workplace should be a generic ‘yes’ unless there is a very good reason to say ‘no.'”
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The royal relative backed up his thinking with experience in his own dog food business, James & Ella.
He noted: “I started the business during the pandemic, and the whole team works remotely.
“When we all get together, there are dogs everywhere, and I really believe they increase productivity.
“Ideas come from those 15-minute breaks, taking them out to the garden.”