James Middleton, the younger brother of the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, recently expressed his delight in seeing his nephews and niece, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, growing up with canine companions.

In a recent chat with OK! magazine, the 36-year-old affirmed the importance of the children's canine interaction. He stated, "I'm really pleased that they are able to enjoy and have the benefit of a dog in their lives. I see them being lucky that they have a dog in their life."

James reflected on his own childhood without a dog due to his parents, Michael and Carole Middleton's stance. It took multiple plea letters from a teenage James before the Middletons welcomed Tilly, a golden retriever, into their home. Tilly, who graced a family portrait with Prince William, Kate Middleton, and a young Prince George, passed away six years ago aged 17.

As the founder of Ella & Co., James fondly remembered Tilly as his solace during adolescence. He disclosed, "She knew all of my secrets at the time — who I fancied and all of those little tricky parts that come with growing up that I never told anybody."

Among the dogs James has owned, Ella, his beloved pet, played a significant role in his battle against depression. Despite the challenge in discussing his mental health, he acknowledged his dogs, particularly Ella, as instrumental in his recovery journey. "My dog Ella, in particular, was my reason to get up in the morning, my reason to get dressed and go outside and go for a walk – even if it was pouring with rain," he revealed to the magazine.

James further elaborated on Ella's perceptiveness during his dark days, stating, "I think Ella knew that I wasn't functioning to my full capacity and she was trying to give little encouraging signs to get me to look after myself because I had a responsibility to look after her too. I think they played such an important role to the point that I do think they've saved my life."

Following Ella's death in January, James penned a tribute in The Sunday Times, mentioning that family members, including Prince William and Kate, who owned one of Ella's puppies, Lupo, attended her burial. He also acknowledged that Pippa Middleton and her husband, and other family members, have puppies from Ella.

Honoring Ella's memory, James wore a pin bearing her image to King Charles III's coronation on May 6. He shared on Instagram, "Ella still comes with me everywhere I go...even to the coronation. Very proud day to be British. God Save the King."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first pet, Lupo, was from Ella's litter. Following Lupo's passing in 2020, James gifted the young royals their current dog, Orla, from his dog Luna's litter. Orla, a term of Celtic origin meaning "golden princess," seems to share a special bond with Princess Charlotte, often appearing in her official portraits and accompanying the Duchess of Cambridge to Prince William's charity polo matches.