James Middleton, younger brother to the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has always managed to stay relatively out of the spotlight compared to his royal siblings.
However, during the grand wedding of Kate and Prince William in 2011, James found himself thrust into the global spotlight with an unexpected and important role.
He was asked to deliver the Bible reading during the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, an honor he never anticipated, given his struggles with dyslexia.
James has since reflected on that day, sharing his honest thoughts and experiences leading up to the big moment.
His candid reaction—”What were they thinking?”—speaks volumes about the pressure he felt and the challenges he overcame.
In this article, we’ll dive into James Middleton’s emotional journey leading up to Kate and William’s wedding, his reaction to being given such a critical role, and how he prepared himself to deliver the reading despite his battle with dyslexia.
James Middleton’s Honest Reaction
When James Middleton was asked to read a Bible passage at Kate and William’s wedding, his first thought was, “What were they thinking?”
Being diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, James always found reading in public to be particularly daunting.
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His immediate reaction was one of disbelief, as he never expected to be put in such a high-profile position, especially at such a globally significant event.
He candidly expressed that reading had always been a struggle for him, especially in front of a large audience.
Reflecting on his school days, he recalled moments of stumbling over words and feeling a deep sense of insecurity about his reading abilities.
Therefore, when Kate and William asked him to perform the Bible reading at their wedding, his mind raced back to those nerve-wracking moments in school.
Nevertheless, despite his reservations, James decided to take on the responsibility because he didn’t want to let his sister or future brother-in-law down.
Overcoming Dyslexia
For someone with dyslexia, public speaking can be overwhelming, but James Middleton wasn’t going to let that stop him from making his sister and Prince William proud on their big day.
After agreeing to deliver the reading, James spent months preparing for the momentous occasion.
He knew that practice would be the key to success, so he carried a phonetic version of the Bible passage with him everywhere he went, rehearsing the lines whenever he had the chance.
James even sought the help of a voice coach, Anthony Gordon Lennox, who had previously worked with high-profile figures like former Prime Minister David Cameron.
With the coach’s guidance, James learned techniques that helped him manage his dyslexia and gain confidence in his reading abilities.
Despite the progress, James admitted that he still struggled with his speech, especially when it came to confusing letters like “p” and “b,” which he referred to as his “nemeses.”
Ella’s Support: The Dog Who Helped Calm His Nerves
While preparing for his role at the royal wedding, James Middleton wasn’t alone. His beloved dog, Ella, played a significant role in keeping him calm during the stressful months of preparation.
Ella, who sadly passed away in January 2023, had been a constant source of comfort for James throughout his life, particularly during difficult times.
James revealed that Ella was by his side during many of his practice sessions, helping him stay grounded and relaxed.
Although Ella wasn’t allowed to be present inside Westminster Abbey on the wedding day, she attended the rehearsal the day before, giving James a sense of comfort and support.
He recalled seeing her in the crowd during the practice run, which made him smile and helped ease some of his nerves.
On the day of the wedding, while Ella couldn’t be there, James carried the memory of her support with him as he faced the monumental task ahead.
Facing the World’s Spotlight
When the big day finally arrived, James Middleton found himself standing in front of a packed Westminster Abbey, with nearly two billion people watching the royal wedding broadcast worldwide.
Despite his months of preparation, the weight of the moment was immense. He carried a crumpled phonetic copy of the reading with him, a reminder of the hard work and effort he had put in to be ready for this occasion.
James’s nerves began to ease as he looked around the Abbey and saw familiar, smiling faces in the crowd. With a deep breath, he started the reading, focusing on the words and not the audience.
The fear of stumbling over the syllables slowly faded, and by the time he finished, he felt an overwhelming sense of relief and accomplishment.
The moment was a personal triumph for James, as he had successfully conquered a challenge that once seemed insurmountable.
Reflection and Low-Key Celebration
After the wedding, James Middleton was flooded with praise from all corners of the globe. He received thousands of messages and even invitations to read at other church services.
But despite the attention and accolades, James chose to celebrate the day in his quiet way.
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Following the grand celebrations, he simply wanted to throw on his jeans and take Ella for a walk. It was during this peaceful moment with his dog that he allowed himself to truly reflect on the enormity of what had just happened.
The experience was a pivotal moment in James’s life, not just because of the high-profile nature of the event, but because it represented his ability to overcome a deeply personal challenge.
His dyslexia, once a source of anxiety and fear, had been conquered in front of the world.