James Middleton’s upcoming memoir, Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, scheduled for release on September 25th, is drawing significant attention.
The book sheds light on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s less-than-accurate recollections of their interactions with Prince William and Princess Catherine. As Middleton’s memoir unveils heartwarming family moments, it simultaneously highlights the stark contrast between his genuine experiences and Harry’s seemingly embellished accounts. The comparison brings into question how far the Sussexes might have stretched the truth to fit their narrative.
Middleton’s memoir delves deeply into his personal battle with depression while offering an intimate glimpse into his family life. Notably, it recounts the first time his now-wife, Alizée Thevenet, met Prince William and Princess Catherine. This revelation contrasts sharply with Prince Harry’s portrayal of similar events in his memoir, Spare. According to Middleton, the meeting, which occurred in the autumn of 2018 at his family home in Bucklebury, was warm and natural. He describes a relaxed morning where Alizée, fresh out of bed and wearing one of James’ shirts, greeted the royal couple with ease. Middleton notes how she greeted everyone with such warmth that it seemed completely normal to meet her boyfriend’s sister and brother-in-law for the first time while casually dressed.
This account is in stark contrast to Harry’s depiction of his first encounter with William and Catherine. In Spare, Harry described Meghan’s affectionate hug being met with unease, especially by William, whom Harry claimed seemed “freaked out” by the gesture. He even suggested that William’s discomfort was so pronounced that it reflected his expectations of formal protocol. According to Harry, Meghan’s more informal approach clashed with William’s reluctance to embrace strangers, highlighting a gap between royal formality and Meghan’s behavior.
However, James Middleton’s version of events offers a different perspective. He recounts how the goodbye was marked by warm hugs, with Catherine even whispering “she’s just great” into his ear. This heartfelt and friendly farewell is at odds with the awkwardness Harry described in his book. The discrepancy between these two accounts raises questions about the accuracy of the Sussexes' stories, suggesting that Harry’s portrayal might have been shaped more by his own personal anxieties than by reality.
As the differences between Harry’s and James’s narratives become more apparent, it fuels speculation about a pattern of exaggeration or fabrication on the part of the Sussexes. Harry and Meghan’s version of royal events often seems tailored to create a more dramatic, and perhaps more compelling, storyline. Middleton’s memoir, by contrast, underscores the value of authenticity and genuine connection, presenting a more grounded and heartfelt reflection of his experiences.
Additionally, Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life highlights another important aspect of Middleton’s life: his battle with depression and how his beloved spaniel, Ella, played a crucial role in his recovery. This candid and personal revelation contrasts sharply with the often sensationalized portrayal of royal life by the Sussexes. James Middleton’s openness about his struggles and triumphs provides a heartfelt narrative that stands in stark contrast to Harry and Meghan’s sometimes dubious accounts.
As Harry and Meghan continue to navigate their post-royal life, often with a flair for the dramatic, James Middleton’s honest recounting serves as a reminder that authenticity, while sometimes less sensational, is far more meaningful than the elaborated tales spun by the Sussexes. Middleton’s memoir not only provides a touching personal story but also shines a light on the inconsistencies and exaggerations in Harry and Meghan’s public accounts. The contrast between these narratives invites readers to reflect on the complexities of truth, perspective, and the pressures of public life in the royal family.
