Topics: Celebrity, Kate Middleton, Royal Family, Mental Health
Kate Middleton’s brother, James, has spoken out over his 'cross-dressing' regrets.
Around a decade back, images surfaced of the Princess of Wales' brother - who was 26 at the time - wearing a polka dot dress at a party.
He's since opened up about the moment after being dubbed in the papers as Kate's younger 'cross-dressing brother'.
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Last month, the 37-year-old released his tell-all memoir titled Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life which is marketed as 'a beacon of hope to anyone struggling through hard times'.
The memoir explores James' personal journey with his mental health and how his pet cocker spaniel Ella saved his life after he began struggling with dark thoughts.
It also goes into details about how his family supported him through this time after he first confided in them in 2017 before publicly speaking about his struggles in 2019.
"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," he told The Mirror.
"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."
Since the book's release, James has opened up about how the countryside has helped maintain his peace following the 'cross-dressing' controversy.
Writing in The Telegraph, James shared: "I found my 20s really challenging. I’ve only figured out who I am after going through depression.
"I wish I hadn’t had to go through it to find it. But if you don’t have hard times you can’t appreciate the good ones.
"There was an added pressure when Catherine and William started dating. I’m famous by default; the association has never been my choice."
He continued to reflect: "There are certain things I’ve learnt, like not to wear drag to a Halloween 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'."
He continued, explaining that the peace of the countryside helps to maintain his 'mental wellbeing'.
"It was part of our reason for moving out of London after 11 years. It sounds like a joke, but we try to live like our dogs," he added.
"They’re not worrying about tomorrow or yesterday."
If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.
