The Middletons are a normal—though markedly wealthy—English family, and this, for royal expert Jennie Bond, has proved a perfect antidote to Prince William's complex royal upbringing.
Indeed, when he spends time with Princess Kate's family of origin, the Prince of Wales can relax into "regular" family life in a way that's really hard for him under normal circumstances as a King-to-be.
"The Middletons have been William’s proxy family for more than 20 years. In the crazy royal world he has been born into, Catherine’s family has been his rock, his solid foundation, his role model of a 'normal' balanced domestic life," Bond told OK!.
"Especially as it seems that William is unlikely ever to play a role in the lives of Harry’s children, he can relish being Uncle to Pippa and James’s brood.
"It’s quite something to think they are growing up very firmly out of the limelight, but they are the nieces and nephews of a future King."
To that point, Bond believes that both Kate and William are incredibly grateful to be so close to the princess' siblings and their children, because these will be the cousins their own kids—George, Charlotte and Louis—will know as they grow up. Sadly, Harry's children Archie and Lilibet may often not be a part of the Wales family's lives, given that they live so far away and their parents don't exactly get along.
These comments from Bond come just weeks after Kate's younger brother James welcomed his first child, a boy named Inigo. The princess' sister Pippa is already mom to Arthur, Grace and Rose.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
"Kate is extremely close to her brother and sister, and they all live fairly close to one another," Bond added.
"I’m sure she will have raced over to see her new baby nephew—we all know she adores babies and probably couldn’t wait for a cuddle."
A post shared by James Middleton
A photo posted by jmidy on
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Hilary Duff Welcomes 3rd Child With Husband Matthew Koma
Townes is her fourth child overall.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Upgrade Your Vacation Wardrobe With Summer Staples From Shopbop and Nordstrom Rack
Next stop: The airport.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Well, Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ Might Not Be Completely Done After All
The success of ‘Scoop’ is reportedly prompting the streaming giant’s bosses to bring ‘The Crown’ back in a new, interesting form after the show concluded last year.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince William Gives Simple But Powerful Update on Princess Kate's Health
He was characteristically demure.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Is "A Bit Envious" of Prince Harry's Lifestyle, Sources Claim
The Duke of Sussex has more freedoms.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William “Has Never Been More Protective” of Princess Kate Than He Is Now—and Will “Make Sure She’s Spoiled” on Their Anniversary Today
To mark 13 years since their royal wedding, the couple released a never-before-seen photo from the big day.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince William Told Princess Charlotte's Favorite Joke, And I'm Cackling
Help, I have the sense of humor of an 8-year-old.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Are Prioritizing Their Children's "Happiness" Amid Kate's Diagnosis, Source Says
The little ones come first.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Louis Turns 6—See the Adorable New Photo
Princess Kate was behind the lens.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Moving Promise About Princess Kate at His First Public Appearance Since She Revealed She Has Cancer
He also revealed his youngest child Prince Louis’ favorite sport while at the engagement.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
As He Prepares to Return to Royal Duty Tomorrow After Nearly A Month Away, Prince William Is Struggling with “Immense” Pressure, Reports Say
“There’s a lot at stake, and he does need support.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published