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    1. Celebrity
    2. Royals

    James Middleton Thinks Offices Should Say "Yes" to a Prince William and Princess Kate-Approved Coworker

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    Kristin Contino's avatar
    By Kristin Contino
    Published 7 August 2025 In News

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    James Middleton sitting in front of a table of his memoir and bookshelves with dog books
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    Princess Kate's younger brother, James Middleton, isn't just a dog lover—he's made it into his career. The James & Ella dog food founder has been outspoken about how his late Cocker Spaniel, Ella, was instrumental in saving his life during a bout of serious depression, and in addition to his pack of dogs at home, he's also a breeder. Prince William and Princess Kate have been the lucky recipients of two of James's puppies, Lupo—who died in 2020—and their current dog, Orla. Now, James has opened up about why businesses should include dogs in the workplace.

    The Daily Mail's Richard Eden shared a conversation with James, 38, in his latest "Eden Confidential" column. "Dogs in the workplace should be a generic 'yes' unless there is a very good reason to say 'no,'" he said, per the media outlet.

    The Meet Ella author has long been a proponent for canine companions to improve mental health, and he shared how dogs help his employees boost their creativity during the workday.

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    James Middleton wearing a tuxedo and holding his dog, Ella's leash, on the red carpet

    James Middleton brought his late dog, Ella, to the 2019 GQ Men Of The Year Awards.

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    James Middleton holding a dog in front of a table full of his memoir and other dog books

    Middleton is pictured with a furry friend during an event for his memoir, Meet Ella.

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    "I started the business during the pandemic and the whole team works remotely," he explained. However, when the James & Ella team is working onsite together, James allows his employees to bring their dogs along.

    "When we all get together, there are dogs everywhere and I really believe they increase productivity," he said. "Ideas come from those 15-minute breaks, taking them out to the garden."

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    James isn't the only member of the Middleton family who can't get enough of dogs. Along with owning one of James's Cocker Spaniels, the Prince and Princess of Wales followed in his breeding footsteps when their dog, Orla, welcomed puppies in May. And Sister Pippa Middleton also owns one of Ella's puppies, Rafa, as well as a black Lab.

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    Explore More
    James Middleton
    Kristin Contino
    Kristin Contino
    Senior Royal and Celebrity Editor

    Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.

    Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.

    Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.

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