James Middleton Reflects on Being ‘Fortunate’ to Spend Time with Queen Elizabeth II

James Middleton, the younger brother of Princess Kate Middleton, recently shared his unforgettable experiences with the late Queen Elizabeth II. Speaking exclusively to Us Weekly while promoting his new book, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, James reflected on his moments with the Queen and the impact they had on him.

At 37 years old, James feels grateful for the time he spent in the Queen’s presence. He noted, “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have spent time with her.” As he reminisced, he mentioned how surreal it was to find himself in a room with the monarch, particularly while doing something as simple as a puzzle. His disbelief over such moments illustrates the deep respect he had for her role as a historic figure.

James is closely related to the royal family; his sister Kate has been married to Prince William, the grandson of Queen Elizabeth, since 2011. As the first in line for the throne after his father, King Charles III, William’s connection to the Queen further intensifies the significance of James’s encounters with her.

During the conversation, James further expressed his admiration, acknowledging the dedication the Queen showed throughout her reign. “To have been able to share moments of time with her, I’ll forever be very grateful for that,” he expressed, showing the heartfelt appreciation he holds for those interactions.

In his upcoming book, James shares a light-hearted story involving Queen Elizabeth that occurred during a rush to celebrate Kate’s birthday. He and his sister Pippa were returning from France when they nearly missed the celebration. In his excitement to join everyone, James described his humorous entry into the tea gathering where the Queen was present.

As he bounded into the room, he found himself almost bumping into Her Majesty. “She and Prince Philip had got up to leave just as I blundered in with Pippa behind me,” he recounted. In his nervousness, he fumbled his greeting and mistakenly said, “I’m so sorry we’re late, Your Royal Majesty.” This slip-up prompted laughter from Prince William, who could not suppress his amusement at the situation.

James recalled feeling intensely embarrassed as he blushed at the faux pas, but the Queen greeted him warmly, showcasing her characteristic kindness. He noted that he had met her several times, including at Kate’s wedding, and she had always been welcoming toward him.

Since Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in September 2022 at the age of 96, James has fondly remembered her genuine love for dogs, which he also honors in his book through stories about his late dog, Ella. Ella, who inspired the book, held a special place in the Queen’s heart as well.

In another anecdote from the book, James describes a stay at Sandringham, where the Queen graciously allowed Ella to accompany him in his room. However, during one visit, Ella made a dash to the kitchens where she befriended one of the chefs. Instead of reprimanding James, the Queen expressed her understanding with a smile, saying, “Well, dogs will be dogs.”

This light-hearted moment further illustrates the Queen’s approachable nature and her appreciation for the joys that pets can bring into life.

As James Middleton continues to share his experiences, his fond memories of Queen Elizabeth II shine through, capturing not only the respect he holds for her but also the humor and warmth shared during their encounters.