James Middleton, known for being part of the Middleton family, has a lighthearted take on his recognition in public. Despite his family connections, he doesn’t consider himself a celebrity. In an interview published on December 29, 2024, Middleton explained that while he’s not often recognized during holidays, he occasionally receives messages from fans who spot him with his dogs.
James, who is married to Alizée Thevenet, shares a 15-month-old son, Inigo, along with six dogs: Mabel, Nala, Zulu, Inka, Isla, and Luna. Reflecting on public encounters, Middleton joked that people are more likely to recognize his dogs than him. “They get recognized more than I do,” he said, highlighting the pups’ popularity.
James Middleton has always been close to animals, something he opened up about in his memoir, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life. In the book, he writes about his deep bond with his late spaniel, Ella, who played a pivotal role in his mental health journey. Ella’s support helped him through a dark period in 2017 when he felt overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts.
Middleton recalled a particularly difficult night when Ella sensed his emotional distress. At his lowest point, he found himself on the roof of his house, contemplating jumping. But when he looked down, he saw Ella’s calm, understanding eyes, offering him a sense of comfort and grounding in a moment of turmoil.
James’ connection with Ella was profound, and in his memoir, he describes how she was not just a pet but a constant source of support. He cherished their relationship, especially as she had been by his side since her early days as a blind puppy. This deep emotional connection inspired him to continue opening his heart to more dogs, which led to the addition of six pets to his family.
In his interview, Middleton also discussed the joys of traveling with his dogs. He shared how much his dogs enjoy car journeys, and he appreciates the growing number of dog-friendly hotels in the U.K. These hotels often offer special amenities for pets, such as their own menus and beds, making them feel as welcome as their human companions.
Middleton expressed his admiration for the trend of family-focused hotels, where both two-legged and four-legged members are treated with care. He highlighted how these dog-friendly spaces cater to pets’ needs, showing the increasing importance of inclusivity when it comes to family vacations. It’s clear that James and his wife Alizée make sure their dogs enjoy the same comforts as their human family.
