In an exclusive first, James Middleton has offered a raw and emotional insight into how he battled the darkest days of his life which left him unable to communicate with his family and how he credits his beloved dogs for saving him.
Ahead of his appearance at Goodwoof dog festival in Chichester this weekend (May 20-21) and in honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, James, 36, opened up about the challenges he has faced and how he has used his experiences to provide support for others in his work as an ambassador for the charity Pets As Therapy.
While The Princess of Wales' brother has previously penned a heart-wrenchingly honest piece about his fight with depression - which he referred to as "a cancer of the mind" - he has explained how his pets were the reason he got up in the morning and why they were "fundamental to his recovery and rehabilitation." Speaking exclusively to OK!
James explained the crucial role his dogs have played in supporting him over the years. James said: "How I see them is that they were what anyone suffering from mental health needs.