James Middleton announces death of oldest dog Zulu

James Middleton has announced the death of Zulu, his oldest cocker spaniel.

Middleton, the brother of Catherine, Princess of Wales, shared the news himself on social media on 9 October 2026, as reported by Hello! Magazine. Zulu would have turned 16 in October. Middleton described Zulu as the eldest of his cocker spaniels, the much-loved dogs that have featured in his posts for years.

Middleton said he had laid Zulu to rest beside Zulu's mother, Ella. Ella, also a cocker spaniel, died in January 2023. The two losses sit almost three years apart, linking mother and son in the same resting place.

He closed the tribute in his own words. "Sleep well, my darling Zulu. I'm going to miss you terribly."

Middleton also wrote about his family life in the announcement. His son, Inigo, had recently turned three. Zulu was therefore part of the household through Inigo's earliest years, from babyhood to a third birthday.

Ella held a particular place in Middleton's public story. He has spoken openly about his struggle with depression. He has said Ella was the dog he attributes to saving his life, as discussed in People. He later named his pet food company after her, keeping her name in his working life after her death.

When Ella's death was announced in January 2023, she was 15 and had died after a brief illness. At that time Middleton and Alizee also owned six other dogs: Zulu, Inka, Luna, Mabel, Nala and Isla, as reported by People. Luna, one of that group, had welcomed six puppies in July 2020.

For followers, the names will be familiar. What makes this announcement stand out is its quiet tone. There is no spokesman's statement, only an owner's farewell, an age almost reached, and a burial beside family. It lands because the detail is small and specific.