In breaking news today, James Middleton, brother of Princess Catherine, provided a rare update on his sister following her announcement that she is in remission.
In an exclusive interview on Thursday, James spoke candidly about Catherine’s progress, stating, “She’s doing okay.
It’s not for me to share on her behalf how everything is going, but she’s getting all the right support and the focus that she needs. Anything like that takes time to process.”
Catherine has begun to take tentative steps back into royal life, recently engaging in activities related to her early years project and attending church with her family as she continues her recovery from a challenging year.
James, along with his siblings Pippa Matthews and Catherine, recently celebrated their 18th birthdays in a cherished family tradition upheld by their parents, Carol and Michael Middleton. Reflecting on these milestones, James humorously noted, “Catherine and Pippa were given beautiful jewelry for their 18th birthdays, but mine was a tractor. I’ve decided to honor Catherine by naming it Tilly, after our family dog.”
As a brother to a future queen, James is acutely aware of the public interest surrounding his family. In his upcoming book, he opens up about his own struggles with clinical depression and suicidal thoughts. After returning to therapy, he granted his GP permission to discuss his mental health issues with his concerned parents and sisters. James emphasized the importance of family therapy, saying, “It was like having a translator. It helped us as a family not just me individually, but as a unit to be more open.”
He also shared how his older sisters have been a source of support during his struggles. “Once I started to understand a bit, my sisters could then also speak to my parents. Now it’s something that can be discussed at the dinner table,” he explained.
James has also been a loving supporter of Catherine’s well-being, gifting her two dogs, Lupo and Ora. He believes Ora, a cocker spaniel, played a crucial role in supporting Catherine during her battle with cancer. “I know how much the dogs have helped me in taking my mind off things, so I’m certain Ora is doing her job in supporting her family,” he stated.
Ora made a notable appearance in a recent video message from Princess Catherine, confirming that she had completed her chemotherapy. In the video, the dog was seen running alongside the royal couple and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
The royal family has faced heartache recently with the passing of Lupo, who was part of their family for nine years. In November 2020, the couple shared the sad news on social media, expressing how much they would miss him.
As Princess Catherine completes her cancer treatment, many are curious about her return to full-time royal duties. While the palace has not provided a specific timeline, reports suggest that she is working behind the scenes on long-standing projects. With the holiday season approaching, royal watchers are eager to see if she will host her annual Christmas Carol service at Westminster Abbey and join her family for their traditional Christmas Day walk to church.
As the royal family navigates this period of recovery and renewal, the support of James Middleton and the rest of their loved ones remains a vital part of their journey.