James Middleton has shared a rare photo of his son Inigo as he reflects on intimate family moments, which he says are made possible thanks to his late dog, Ella.
On Instagram, the younger brother of the Princess of Wales shared snapshots of his son and the puppies, accompanied by his wife Alizée Thevenet.
The couple welcomed Iñigo into the world last October, but James rarely shares photos of his son on social media.
In her latest post, which was taken from James’ family on a sunny day as they watched him read his new book about grief, he thanks his late dog, Ella, who inspired the book, for also giving him the family he always wanted.
The 37-year-old businessman, who lost his cocker spaniel Ella last year after spending 15 years together, titled his upcoming memoir: Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life.
James Middleton shared a sweet photo of his son Inigo, his wife Alizee (left) and their dogs watching him talk about his new book.
As Inigo appeared to put his arm around one of the family dogs, he looked adorable in navy blue overalls and a white blouse with a Peter Pan collar.
In the caption, James credited his dog Ella for introducing him to his wife Alizée.
He wrote: ‘I wish moments like this could last forever. This special moment is all thanks to Her. Let me explain; Alizée, Iñigo and all the dogs came to hear me talk for the first time about my book Meet Ella.
‘She introduced me to Alizée, a few years later we got married, a year later Iñigo arrived. She and Iñigo never met, but at all times She is with us.
“So if it wasn’t for that moment… I wouldn’t have been able to capture this moment.”
Many took to the comments to praise the doting father and his love for his dogs.
One person said: ‘Beautiful photos!! Dogs are the greatest gift to us.” Someone else wrote: “What a sweet and special moment.”
Another said: “A dog has been the best gift we could have given our son.” His bonds are so pure and beautiful.”
Tiny Inigo looked particularly cute in navy dungarees over a white long-sleeved blouse while petting the dogs.
The 37-year-old businessman lost his cocker spaniel Ella (pictured) last year after spending 15 years together.
In the caption, James credited his dog Ella for introducing him to his wife Alizèe.
Many rushed to the comments to praise the doting father and his love for his dogs.
Father of a son, James, who married his wife in the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas, on the Côte d’Azur, in September 2021.
He credits Ella for introducing him to his wife Alizée, as the couple met when the puppy “came right at her” in 2018.
writing in the TelegraphJames, who was “embarrassed,” came forward “to apologize and bring Ella back.”
He recalled how Alizee thought he was a waiter and “ordered her drink while continuing to caress Ella, who was currently on her back lapping up the attention.”
He continued: ‘I didn’t know it, but I had just met my future wife, all thanks to Ella.
“If I hadn’t trusted Ella, I wouldn’t have taken her to the South Kensington Club and she wouldn’t have been able to greet the woman who became my fiancée.”
James’ book will tell his story through his relationship with his beloved pet and will also reveal how the businessman wanted “nothing more than a dog of his own” as a child.
James has titled his upcoming memoir: Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life.
James appeared at the Goodwoof event in Chichester, West Sussex, last weekend, where he revealed the cover of the book.
It will also include stories of how James wrote letters to his parents Michael and Carole asking if they could have a pet, and will tell stories about his sisters Kate and Pippa, as well as his romance with his wife.
Last month, the younger Middleton revealed the book’s touching cover on Instagram, which showed James dressed in a blue plaid shirt with Ella draped over his shoulders.
James appeared at the Goodwoof event in Chichester, West Sussex, last weekend, where he revealed the cover of the book.
Pictures from the event show him beaming as he is joined by his other dogs who sat on his custom Babboe bike while he held the new cover.
He wrote in a touching Instagram post: ‘For fifteen years She carried me through the obstacles life threw at me… but in our last moments together I carried her.
‘This photo means a lot to me and I have chosen it to be the cover of my next book.
‘My wife Alizée took it on one of our last walks together. She had tears in her eyes because she knew that she was getting weaker every day. But we enjoyed every last moment we could together.
Pictures from the event show him beaming as he is joined by his other dogs who sat on his custom Babboe bike as he held the new cover.
James credits Ella for introducing him to his wife Alizee, as the pair met when the puppy ‘made a beeline’ for her in 2018. Above: The couple pictured in 2019
“It was wonderful to launch the @goodwoofdogs cover and I was really touched by how many of you came to hear me talk about the book and coping with the loss of a dog.”
Fans took to the comments to express their excitement for the book’s release and praised James for writing it.
One user wrote: ‘I know exactly what you mean. I just lost my sweet son after 17 years and we certainly lived a lot of life together. I am devastated and miss him so much.
Another wrote: ‘Many congratulations James! “It’s so amazing that you can share your story with others.”
A third said: ‘Can’t wait for this book. My dog is almost 17 years old and has been my companion for the longest time. I know his days are coming to an end.
A fourth commented: ‘What a pretty picture. I will definitely buy your book! I’m glad sweet Ella has always been there for you.
James credits Ella with saving his life after he was diagnosed with clinical depression, which first affected him in late 2016.
In a clip shared online, James said: “I credit Ella for saving my life when I was overshadowed by clinical depression, she introduced me to my wife, gave me purpose and loved me unconditionally.”
‘I know many of you have your own Ella or might need one now and I hope this book will also help us talk more openly about our mental health, our need for connection and the way the animals we know. “We believe that we are taking care of ourselves and they always take care of us in return.”
In 2020, James also launched dog food brand Ella&Co, named after his black cocker spaniel.