James Middleton has opened up about his close relationship with his sister, the Princess of Wales, revealing how their sibling bond has remained unchanged despite her royal status.
The 38-year-old entrepreneur said that he has always just seen Kate, 43, as his "big sister" and that she has consistently been there for him through his darkest moments.
"I'm incredibly fortunate to have my two sisters, not just as siblings, but as friends," James said.
He described the connection between siblings as "unique", explaining: "You can't choose your siblings, it can be complicated, it takes work, but when it's strong, I believe it's one of the most powerful bonds there is."
James Middleton has opened up about his close relationship with his sister, the Princess of Wales, revealing how their sibling bond has remained unchanged despite her royal status.
GettyJames emphasised that Kate has always been there when he needed her.
He revealed that Kate and their sister Pippa, 41, have always been "emotionally open, expressive, and in tune with the people around them".
"I think being surrounded by that kind of emotional intelligence rubbed off on me, even if I didn't fully realise it at the time," he said.
James believes this environment gave him "permission to feel things more deeply and to name those feelings when they came up".
He revealed that Kate and their sister Pippa, 41, have always been "emotionally open, expressive, and in tune with the people around them".
PAThe siblings grew up together in Berkshire before Kate married Prince William in 2011 after meeting at St Andrews University.
Despite her royal status, James maintains that their relationship has remained unchanged, with the siblings maintaining their close bond throughout the years.
James also opened up about the mental health crisis he experienced in 2017, crediting Kate, Pippa and their mother Carole, 70, for helping him through this difficult period.
"Like a lot of men, I struggled with expressing how I was doing when I was at my lowest," he admitted.
"But having strong women around me who led with compassion and honesty definitely helped me learn that vulnerability wasn't weakness, it was strength."
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
James has previously praised the Prince and Princess of Wales for their work in reducing stigmas surrounding mental illness.
GettyHe believes this support "laid the groundwork" for him being able to open up later in therapy and in his writing.
James has previously praised the Prince and Princess of Wales for their work in reducing stigmas surrounding mental illness.
"It probably laid the groundwork for me being able to open up later on, whether in therapy, writing the book, or just in honest conversations with the people I love. And for that, I'm incredibly grateful," he added.
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.
