In a touching recount of a frightening experience, James Middleton, the brother of the Princess of Wales, recently shared a harrowing story involving his beloved dog, Zulu, that unfolded during a particularly delicate time for his family. The incident took place when Kate Middleton was pregnant, adding an extra layer of concern to an already stressful situation.
James was en route to London when he received an alarming call that would send him racing back to his family home at Bucklebury Manor. The distressing news was that Zulu had suffered a serious accident. Upon his arrival, he was met by the sight of emergency responders, including a firetruck and an unmarked police car that had followed him the entire way. However, the most shocking sight was his mother, Carole Middleton, who was visibly injured and trying to calm Zulu, whose head had become trapped between the gatepost and the gate.
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James vividly recalled the scene: “There was Mum, one arm soaked in blood, vainly trying to calm a distressed and frantically wriggling dog,” he recounted. In the chaos, Zulu had bitten Carole while she attempted to save him from a potentially fatal situation. With the urgency of the moment pressing down on him, James joined forces with his father, Michael Middleton. Together, they used a crowbar to pry the gate open just enough to free Zulu, who was quickly rushed to the vet for treatment.
Fortunately, Zulu survived the ordeal and, although he faced a lengthy recovery, the family was relieved to have him back. Despite the happy outcome, James expressed feelings of guilt about the incident, particularly concerning how it might have affected his sister, Kate, who was heavily pregnant at the time. The stress of such a traumatic event would understandably be challenging for anyone, let alone a mother-to-be. It’s worth noting that Zulu was a special gift from James to Kate, as he had given her a puppy named Lupo, who was Zulu’s brother.
Kate and James had late-night bonding sessions while Zulu recovered
In the aftermath of the accident, a unique bond emerged between James and Kate. Their late-night routines coincided as they both tended to their respective responsibilities—James caring for Zulu and Kate managing the late-night feeds for her newborn son, Prince George. The situation took a humorous turn when Zulu’s injuries led to incontinence, placing both siblings on diaper duty at the same time.
James also shared a heartwarming observation about his father, Michael, who had never been particularly fond of dogs. He transformed into a doting grandfather to Zulu, going as far as to buy him special treats and a new dog bed. “Once I caught him tucking him in for the night,” James chuckled, noting how Michael even introduced Zulu to friends as his own dog, which brought a smile to his face.
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Fast forward over a decade, and Zulu is thriving. James recently shared a heartfelt post on Instagram to celebrate Father’s Day in 2020, showcasing Zulu’s new role as a father to his own puppies. “Whether you are teaching Nala how to wag her tail so fast it spins her round or how to pose for photos … you are a fantastic daddy and we are all lucky to have you in our life!” he wrote, expressing his joy and gratitude for the dog who had once caused such a scare.
This tale serves as a reminder of the strength of family bonds and the unexpected ways that love can grow, even in the midst of fear. The Middleton family’s experience with Zulu not only highlights their deep connections but also illustrates how shared challenges can bring people closer together. As they navigated the fright of that day, they emerged with a story of resilience, humor, and ultimately, love.
