Princess Kate Middleton's brother, James, shares his experience being offered a $1 million movie deal following his royal wedding appearance and opens up about his struggles with dyslexia while preparing for the event.
In a candid interview with The Sunday Times, James Middleton, the brother of Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, revealed that he was offered a staggering $1 million movie deal after his memorable reading at her royal wedding to Prince William in 2011. However, the offer was respectfully declined, as Middleton grappled with the anxiety of performing in front of a global audience due to his dyslexia.
Preparing for the event was an arduous task for Middleton, who meticulously practiced his reading with a vocal coach. "I’d never seen a royal wedding," he admitted. "There hadn’t been one in my lifetime. Not a big one anyway. I wasn’t aware of the scale or the global interest. I just felt privileged that my sister was asking me to do it, and it meant something to her. I wanted to make sure I did it."
James Middleton Reflects on $1 Million Movie Offer and Struggles with Dyslexia
Despite his brotherly support for Kate, Middleton faced intense scrutiny from the press during the early days of their relationship with Prince William. "William was a fantastic support for us as a family," he said. "He did everything he could to protect us from the intense interest, not just in Catherine, but also her immediate family."
Middleton's vulnerability extended beyond his dyslexia, as he also struggled with mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts in 2017. It was his beloved cocker spaniel, Ella, who provided solace during his darkest moments. "I was never alone in a time when I felt very lonely," he said.
James Middleton Reflects on $1 Million Movie Offer and Struggles with Dyslexia
Recognizing the need for professional help, Middleton sought treatment with the support of Kate and their sister Pippa. Initially, their parents expressed concerns about his "clinical depression" diagnosis. "To people of their generation, I can understand why it was concerning," Middleton explained. "Society was only just starting to break through the stigma."
With the help of therapy and the unwavering presence of Ella, Middleton's mental health gradually improved. A year after his lowest point, he met his wife, Alizee Thevenet, and they married in 2021. Their family expanded with the arrival of their son, Inigo, in 2023.
James Middleton Reflects on $1 Million Movie Offer and Struggles with Dyslexia
Middleton's story is a testament to the transformative power of support and professional help in overcoming dyslexia and mental health challenges. By sharing his experiences, he aims to inspire others to seek assistance when needed and embrace their own resilience.
