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Carol Middleton was reportedly left in tears after her son James faced numerous struggles during his school years. According to James’ new memoir, he had to retake his A-Level chemistry course an astonishing four times while attending the prestigious Marlborough College. Witnessing her son’s difficulties left Carol heartbroken. James later wrote that after another poor exam performance, his father Michael lamented that the expensive private schooling had been a “waste of money.” These challenges took a toll not just on James, but on his devoted parents as well.
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Despite the setbacks, James persisted and eventually gained admission to the University of Edinburgh, though with barely passing grades. Even in reflecting back, James is careful not to criticize the school or his parents, acknowledging he learned valuable life skills. During his schooling, James found comfort in nature and his beloved dogs, as the pressures of academia weighed heavily. He often felt like an outsider and longed for the companionship of his dog Tuli more than human peers.
At university, James initially selected subjects like criminology, environmental studies and geography because he thought they would involve multiple choice exams - a format more accessible given his dyslexia. However, he faced further setbacks, failing his first year exams and causing more distress for his mother and frustration from his father. Throughout it all, James took solace in his dogs, which provided unconditional comfort and acceptance.
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Against this backdrop of personal challenges, James was called on to play a pivotal role in 2011 at his sister Kate Middleton’s highly anticipated wedding to Prince William. Prince William's wedding was surely one of the most watched royal events in modern history. When Kate asked James to do a reading during the service at Westminster Abbey, his initial reaction was disbelief. For anyone, performing such a reading in front of nobility and millions of viewers around the world would be tremendously daunting. But for James, whose dyslexia had made reading difficult since childhood, it seemed an almost insurmountable challenge.
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Still, out of love for his sister, James accepted the responsibility. He took the task very seriously, constantly practicing the lines and even working with a renowned voice coach for preparation. James’ loyal companion Ella provided comfort during this stressful time leading up to the wedding, though protocol prohibited her from accompanying him inside the Abbey on the big day.
Stepping into the grand, historic Abbey, James must have felt the magnitude of the occasion weighed heavily on him. Not only were global dignitaries and royalty attending, but millions more would witness his performance on television screens worldwide. However, through meticulous practice and with the faces of loved ones in the congregation providing encouragement, James was able to smoothly deliver the reading without any stumbled words. His dedication to honing the reading paid off, allowing him to proudly play his part in his sister’s special day.
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It was only later, after the celebrations concluded and James had time for quiet reflection, that the full enormity of participating in such a monumental royal event truly sunk in. In those solitary moments walking with Ella, away from the cameras and grandeur, James allowed the momentousness of the day to wash over him. His memoir reveals that while the wedding was a spectacular, global spectacle, there were also deeply personal stories of struggle, triumph and reflection unfolding behind the scenes.
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James Middleton's candid chronicle in his new book sheds light not just on his role in the royal wedding itself, but also on the private battles he faced with dyslexia and academic pressures. Through it all, his love for his family and determination to rise to the occasion are evident. His supportive role, though often overlooked, was undeniably important to the wedding's success. In the years since, James has stayed close with his beloved sister Kate and brother-in-law Prince William, while carving out his own entrepreneurial path and advocating for dyslexia awareness. His story reminds us that even momentous public events contain intimate human experiences unfolding just out of view.
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