James Middleton shares heartfelt image as he celebrates special day

Fintan Starkey

By Fintan Starkey


Published: 08/02/2026

- 15:21

The Princess of Wales's brother has once again showcased his love for dogs

James Middleton has shared a heartfelt image of his golden retriever, Isla, as he took to social media to celebrate National Golden Retriever Day.

The Princess of Wales's brother shared the image on his social media account for his dog food and lifestyle company, Ella & James.


The brand is named in honour of James’s late dog Ella, a dog he claims “saved his life.”

In the social media post, his cocker spaniels can also be seen. The post reads: “Happy National Golden Retriever Day today I'm celebrating this incredible breed, and their roles not only as wonderful family pets, but as service and therapy dogs too.

James Middleton

James Middleton took to social media to celebrate National Golden Retriever Day with an image of his dog Isla

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GETTY/INSTAGRAM

“Did you know? Golden Retrievers originated in Scotland, which is, of course, the namesake of Isla here.”

The image shows Isla sitting on a rug in a sand-shaded colour.

The post comes just days after Catherine announced a new addition to the Waleses' family.

Catherine visited Hiut Denim, a family-owned company in Cardigan, Wales, where she was seen excitedly meeting the family’s cocker spaniel, Barney.

As she crouched down to stroke Barney, she said: “You are lovely!” and, speaking to staff, she went on to say: “We have the same breed of dog.”

The princess was then asked: “How old are yours?” to which Catherine replied: “So we've got a little puppy, he's only eight months, and Orla's five.”

Princess of WalesCatherine met Barney, the family dog at the Hiut Denim company during her visit | GETTY

The Prince and Princess of Wales are known to be animal-lovers, and were given Orla by, James in 2020.

Orla gave birth to four puppies last year, and they featured in William’s 43rd birthday post.

The message was signed "with love" from Catherine and their children, George, Charlotte and Louis, plus "the puppies" left a sweet paw print emoji.

The revelation followed a touching health update that the princess gave during her visit.

Speaking outside a factory in Cardigan, Catherine told one man who wished her continued recovery: "Thank you very much. This is good for my soul, meeting wonderful people."

The exchange came after the man enquired about her wellbeing following her health challenges.

Prince William

Prince William and Catherine took to social media to reveal Orla had puppies last year

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INSTAGRAM

Catherine underwent abdominal surgery in January 2024 and subsequently revealed two months later that she was receiving preventative chemotherapy.

Her treatment concluded by September that year and she announced in January 2025 that she had entered remission.