James Middleton, Princess Kate’s brother, recently shared a revealing glimpse into his response to a significant request from his sister during her 2011 wedding to Prince William. Known for his role in the ceremony, James Middleton was asked to read from the Bible at the wedding held at Westminster Abbey.
In his forthcoming memoir, *Me and Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life*, which was released this weekend by The Daily Mail, James Middleton reflects on his reaction to the request. Diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 11, he admits to being surprised and somewhat bewildered by the task. In the book, he recalls his feelings with humor, noting that he mistook some of the jokes about his reading abilities for genuine concerns. Despite his apprehension, he decided to fulfill the request, hoping not to let the royal couple down.
Leading up to the wedding, James mentioned he carried a copy of his reading everywhere, practicing diligently. "I took it everywhere I went, pulling it out of my pocket to practice the lines," he recalled, describing how he struggled with stammering and switching syllables. During his rehearsals, he was accompanied by Ella, the dog who inspired the book's title, though she was not allowed into Westminster Abbey for the ceremony. Anthony Gordon-Lennox, a renowned voice coach who has worked with figures such as Prime Minister David Cameron, assisted James during his preparation.
On the day of the wedding in April 2011, James carried a crumpled phonetic copy of his reading into the Abbey. He described the moment he saw familiar, happy faces in the congregation, which eased his nervousness. "I inhaled deeply and started," he remembered, reflecting on the emotional experience.
Despite the global attention the event received, James celebrated in a more understated manner. He noted that, after the service and celebrations, all he wanted was to relax in old jeans and take Ella for a walk. It wasn't until after the day’s events that he allowed himself to fully appreciate the significance of the occasion.
