James Middleton spoke out about his regret over the photo of him wearing a dress (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Kate Middleton’s sibling, James Middleton, has candidly addressed the notorious snapshot of him donning a frock at a fancy-dress bash.
James, who has never shied away from discussing his mental health battles, expressed remorse for being snapped in “cross-dressing” attire during his youth.
A decade ago, images circulated of a 26-year-old James gracing various soirees, with one particularly memorable photo capturing him decked out in a polka dot dress. However, , he reflects on the futility of dwelling on bygones and pondering alternative past actions.
He remarked: “There are certain things I’ve learnt, like not to wear drag to a Hallowe’en party because you’ll find yourself in the papers as a ‘cross-dressing brother’. But I can’t look back thinking, ‘How would I have done things differently’.”
“The tranquillity of rural life is pivotal for our mental health; it was a key factor in our decision to leave London after 11 years. It may sound facetious, but we endeavour to emulate our dogs. They don’t fret over tomorrow or yesterday.”
James also claimed there was an added pressure when his sister started dating Prince William (Image: Getty Images)
Now 37, the Princess of Wales’s younger brother resides in bucolic bliss with his spouse and their six canine companions. He has recently published a memoir where he openly discusses his mental health tribulation, reports .
Earlier in his Telegraph piece, he disclosed how Kate’s liaison with inadvertently thrust him into the limelight, rendering him “famous by default”.
In a recent interview, James opened up about his forthcoming memoir, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life. The book is a candid account of his struggles with mental health, including suicidal thoughts, and how his loyal cocker spaniel Ella played a crucial role in his recovery.
James credits his cocker spaniel Ella, as well as the unwavering support of his family, particularly his sister, for helping him through his darkest moments. He first confided in his family about his struggles in 2017, before speaking publicly about them in 2019.
WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM – MAY 19: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) James Middleton attends the wedding of Prince Harry to Ms Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England. Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales marries Ms. Meghan Markle in a service at St George’s Chapel inside the grounds of Windsor Castle. Among the guests were 2200 members of the public, the royal family and Ms. Markle’s Mother Doria Ragland. (Photo by Pool/Max Mumby/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
James revealed: “When I first publicly spoke about my depression, they were launching their Heads Together charity and that was great for me to learn and understand and have a platform. As I’ve said, I didn’t believe I was allowed to have mental health or depression and that work was a good catalyst for me to want to speak out because I can’t ever avoid or hide away from who my sister is, I will always be her brother.
“But it made me feel confident enough and supportive enough in what they were speaking about in what I felt.”
James, in his book, recounts the unwavering support he received from his family during his battles with mental health issues. Reflecting on their recent challenges, he shared: “I think as a family, we are a close family and through the experiences of my mental health and challenges we’ve faced over the years, we’ve learned to be a support for each other and that comes in different shapes and forms.
“I think we are very much in that supportive place for each other, which I recognise we are really lucky to have as not all families have it.”