A recent profile in Hello! magazine has shed light on the vital role played by Carole Middleton, mother of the Princess of Wales, in the lives of the royal family. As the nation pays its respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, it is clear that the monarch held the Middletons in high regard, embracing their close-knit family dynamic.
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Ailsa Anderson, who served as a press secretary to Queen Elizabeth, shared insights into the Queen’s views on the Middletons and their importance to her grandson, Prince William. Anderson remarked, “The Queen always wanted her children and grandchildren to be happy,” adding that she recognised the immense support that Carole and her husband Michael provided their family.
Despite not being aristocrats, the Middletons were welcomed warmly into the royal fold. “She clearly saw all the qualities that the Middletons provided for Catherine and William,” Anderson continued. The Queen, having witnessed struggles within her own family – with three out of four of her children experiencing divorce – apparently appreciated the solidarity demonstrated by the Middleton family. “She liked the fact that her grandson was marrying into a really close family who have stuck together through thick and thin,” said Anderson.
The bond between the British royals and the Middletons has grown over the years; the Queen invited the family to important gatherings at venues such as Balmoral Castle and Sandringham. Notably, in 2016, a photograph captured Queen Elizabeth driving Carole in a car during their stay in Balmoral, which royal historian Robert Lacey described as a clear signal of the Queen’s approval of the Middletons, who, while not of royal lineage, were embraced into royal life.
Married in 1980, Carole and Michael Middleton raised three children, including Kate, Pippa, and James. Carole has maintained a consistent and dependable presence in her family’s lives, particularly since the recent health challenges faced by the Princess of Wales. Kate’s diagnosis with cancer in March 2024 led to significant changes in the family dynamic; Carole stepped in to offer vital support, taking charge of household tasks and care for her grandchildren while Kate underwent treatment.
Royal author Ingrid Seward noted that Carole took on a multitude of responsibilities, saying, “[Carole] took over helping with the children and the school and the cooking.” Her steadfast nature and proactive approach have made her an indispensable figure during tumultuous times. Robert Jobson, another royal commentator, echoed this sentiment, affirming Carole’s role as a supportive presence for both William and the children during a challenging period.
2024 was described by Prince William as the “hardest year” of his life, marked by the simultaneous health crises within his immediate family. Both his father, King Charles, and wife Kate faced cancer diagnoses. In light of these challenges, Carole emerged as a crucial support system. She not only assumed responsibility for household duties but also provided emotional comfort for William during difficult moments.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are now witnessing significant milestones in their children’s lives. Their eldest son, Prince George, recently commenced his first term at Eton College, prompting royal experts to predict that the family will continue to rely on Carole’s guidance and support as they navigate the responsibilities and pressures of royal life.
In her role, Carole keeps a low profile, choosing to step forward only when needed. Seward praised her determination and intelligence, declaring, “I have huge admiration for her — I think we all do.” Robert Jobson added that while Carole may never officially hold the title of Queen Mother, she is likely to become an invaluable figure referred to as the “Queen’s mother,” ready to assist her daughter and the royal family as necessary.
As the Royal family moves forward, the strengthened bond between the Middletons and the royals appears to be more important than ever. In a time of change and uncertainty, Carole Middleton’s unwavering support continues to serve as a stabilising force for the Princess of Wales and the extended royal family.