James Middleton marks 38th birthday with poignant Instagram post

James Middleton has shared a poignant video on Instagram to mark his 38th birthday.

While he doesn’t make an appearance in the video shared on social media, the short clip says everything about what matters most to him.

James, who is the younger brother of the Princess of Wales, has posted a video that shows his wife Alizée Thevenet and their son Inigo at the family’s country home in Berkshire in the UK.

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The video begins with Inigo, 18 months, seated on a bright red tractor. His mother is behind him, surrounded by the family’s many beloved dogs.

Mother and son share a sweet verbal exchange before the scene switches to one of Inigo feeding chickens.

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Finally, a clip of Inigo seated at an outdoor table with two of the family’s dogs obediently sitting next to him.

In the footage Inigo is dressed warmly in long blue shorts and a blue puffer vest which is from his father’s ‘James & Ella’ range which sells premium dog products including freeze-dried raw food.

Alongside the sweet footage, he wrote: “Thank you, 38. I’m right where I’m meant to be.

“There is no better birthday present than that ❤️Fresh air, wagging tails, and the wild, beautiful rhythm of family life 🐾Moving in sync, tails wagging.

“On a journey, with Inigo at the wheel, headed wherever life takes us 🚜Filled with joy, love and just the right amount of chaos.”

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James has much to celebrate, having overcome the darkest of times during a years-long battle with mental ill health.

The professional dog breeder chronicled his battle in his memoir Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life.

James wrote about his struggles from childhood before being diagnosed with ADD and dyslexia.

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He would later receive in-patient care for clinical depression and has shared how his sisters Catherine, 43, and Pippa, 41, supported him, as well as his journey to help his parents Michael and Carole Middleton understand his condition.

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He credited his dog Ella with playing a major role in helping him through the darkest times. He also credits Ella with meeting his now wife in 2018 when she approached her at a South Kensington Club.

James went over to apologise and a conversation ensued.

The couple began dating and married in France in 2021.

They welcomed their first child, Inigo, in September 2023.

Ella died in January 2023, although her lineage lives on through James’ breeding efforts.

If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Men’s Helpline on 1300 78 99 78.

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