Princess Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, live a quiet, almost-normal life in Bucklebury, a short 40-minute drive from Windsor. From grandparent duties to pub lunches to dog walks, their life looks remarkably simple considering their daughter will one day be Queen of England. They are rarely photographed out and about, and enjoy their privacy, so a rare joint appearance from Princess Kate’s mom and dad is always nice. Carole and Michael Middleton stepped out together for Day 3 of Royal Ascot, where they enjoyed a sunny day in the Royal Box alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Michael Middleton looked incredibly dapper in a top hat, tails, and light blue waistcoat, while Carole shined in a coat dress from Catherine Walker, one of Princess Kate’s go-to royal designers. A matching bag and shoes from Emmy London—another brand favored by the Princess of Wales—and a pair of earrings once worn by Princess Kate herself made the entire ensemble feel very Kate-coded. Like mother, like daughter.

The Middletons have settled in remarkably well amongst the royals, considering their very humble beginnings. Now a regular fixture at events like Royal Ascot, Sandringham church services, and in the Royal Box at Wimbledon, they enjoy an easy relationship with Prince William’s family. Prince William has always been close to the Middletons, and enjoys the normality of life at their home, Bucklebury Manor.

Carole and Michael Middleton will celebrate their 46th wedding anniversary this weekend, and they looked happy as ever as they attended Royal Ascot alongside The King and Queen, Duchess Sophie, Zara Tindall, and even Stanley Tucci. Carole Middleton and daughter-in-law Alizée attended Day 2 with Princess Kate, enjoying the races and garden party atmosphere. Royal Ascot is a regular fixture in the Middleton family calendar, with regular appearances with their daughter and son-in-law and without them.

Royal Ascot is one of the most important annual events on the Royal Family's calendar. While multiple royals attended Day 1 of Royal Ascot, Princess Kate and her family members waited for Day 2 to make their entrance. Notably, Carole Middleton caught everyone's attention in a light pink ensemble, arriving alongside her daughter-in-law, James Middleton's wife, Alizee Thevenet.

For the regal occasion, Carole followed in Princess Kate's footsteps with a clever royal rewear. The Middleton matriarch rewore the Catherine Walker coat dress she originally wore to her daughter Pippa Middleton's 2017 wedding to James Matthews. Catherine Walker, of course, is a brand beloved by her daughter Kate, and Carole opted to also wear a hat by the designer.

Carole drew inspiration from Princess Kate for her matching accessories, too, which were all acquired from royally-approved labels. The former Party Pieces owner carried Emmy London's Mabel Textured Leather Bag in Misty Rose, along with the brand's Lisa Suede Slingback Pumps in the very same shade, via @royalfashionpolice.

Carole also took style notes from the Princess of Wales with her jewelry choices. Princess Kate's mom wore a pair of Kiki McDonough's Grace Mini Lavender Amethyst and Diamond Detachable Earrings.

It seems that Carole is very inspired by daughter Princess Kate's style, just like that rest of the world.

Princess Kate stepped out in a new Self-Portrait blazer dress at a Buckingham Palace garden party on Friday, May 8, and she also revealed her latest sports obsession while chatting with guests.

In a post shared by the Daily Mail’s royal editor, Rebecca English, on her Instagram Story, the journalist wrote that the Princess of Wales “revealed she has taken up padel.”

The activity, which is similar to tennis and pickleball, but uses walls, is considered the fastest-growing sport in the world at the moment, so it’s no surprise that athletic Kate has got in on the trend. English wrote that Princess Kate told guests “it was a great game for non-tennis players (although that is her preferred sport).”

Princess Kate also shared that she “even plays with her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton.”

As patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Princess Kate's choice to play padel is a slightly controversial one, as many tennis purists aren't fans of padel's recent domination.

Even tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has spoken out on how the sport could threaten tennis, noting, “If we don’t do something about it, as I said, globally or collectively, padel, pickleball in [the] States, they’re going to convert all the tennis clubs into padel and pickleball because it’s just more economical” (via the Guardian).

Along with chatting about racket sports, the Princess of Wales shared some meaningful conversations with guests at the party, who were all invited because of their contributions to British society. One such attendee was dance teacher Leanne Lucas, who met the Prince and Princess of Wales after the tragic stabbing deaths of three children during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England.

Lucas helped shield children from the knife-wielding attacker during the incident, and according to the Daily Mirror's royal editor, Russell Myers, the dance teacher said “it was like meeting old friends again.”

In his Instagram post, Myers continued that Lucas, who spoke with both William and Kate at the garden party, admitted she “was in such a dark place last time we met.” However, the Princess of Wales was encouraged by the progress that Lucas has made.

Princess Kate placed a hand on her shoulder in one photo from the party, and Lucas said, “Last time I met (the Princess), I was quite down, so she just said she was so happy to see me full of energy and passion and enthusiasm again and it’s so nice to see you back to the way that you should be and the way that you were before.”

Princess Kate is the mother of a future King of England—but she wasn't born into the Royal Family. Instead, the Princess of Wales had a relatively normal childhood being raised by dad Michael Middleton and mom Carole Middleton.

In a new royal biography, William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story, royal expert Russell Myers explored Princess Kate's upbringing, which included a stint living abroad.

Per Myers, "[I]n May 1984 Michael was suddenly offered a posting to Amman, the capital of Jordan, as an aero manager for an international air station. There was a lucrative package, and the possibility of a unique cultural experience for their young family."

As a result, Michael reportedly signed a two-year contract to live in the city, which was described as "an attractive place to explore both economically and culturally."

According to the royal author, "Carole relished the challenge" of living in another country, where she reportedly formed "a tight-knit circle with other expatriate families." Per Myers, "Michael worked long hours during the week, but reserved weekends for family adventures...[H]e, Carole, Catherine, and Pippa were always together."

The experience of living in Jordan proved to be a positive one for the Middleton family. Per Myers, Princess Kate's parents were able to "provide a safe environment for the children to grow up in and explore a different culture, something that Michael and Carole believed would be invaluable for Catherine and Pippa's personal development."

According to the royal author, activities included "trips to ancient ruins and picnics in the desert under skies so wide they seemed to swallow the horizon."

Attending nursery in Jordan "would offer young Catherine the opportunity to mix with children from a variety of backgrounds and cultures," Myers shared. He continued, "Nursery teachers said both Catherine—known as Kate at the time—and Pippa, who enrolled 18 months later, thrived in their environment."

Ultimately, the Middleton family's move to Jordan was only temporary.

"Carole yearned to return to England," Myers shared. "So, in September 1986, just over two years after the start of the Jordanian adventure, the family decided to move back to the [United Kingdom]. Days before the family packed up their belongings and flew home, Carole discovered she was pregnant [with son James Middleton]."

It's likely that Princess Kate's experience of living in another country as a young child helped form the person she is today.

When Princess Kate married Prince William on April 29, 2011, the Middleton family acquired an eternal tie to the British Royal Family. Having lived a relatively normal life prior to her romance with a prince, Princess Kate quickly learned what it means to be royal. According to a new book, Princess Kate's parents had very different upbringings from one another and their experiences provided their daughter with a unique insight.

In his new book, William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story, royal expert Russell Myers shared details regarding Michael and Carole Middleton's childhoods. Notably, while Princess Kate's dad was born into a "wealthy family," her mom had "working-class" roots.

"Carole Goldsmith was born on January 31, 1955 into a distinctly working-class family, with roots connecting them to generations of steely coal miners from County Durham [in the north of England]," Myers shared. "Her father, Ronald, was a hard-working and mild-mannered decorator, while her mother, Dorothy...worked as a part-time sales assistant in a jewelry shop."

According to Myers, Carole's parents were "self-employed" and did "the best they could in often difficult circumstances." Per the royal author, "There were various bouts of financial hardship."

As a result, Carole reportedly drew inspiration from "her parents's work ethic," which had been "instilled in her from a young age." As Myers noted, "She had grown up watching both her parents work hard to make ends meet and ensure that, even though money was not abundant, the children grew up in a safe and loving home."

"With money scarce at home, Carole decided to leave school at the age of 16, after landing a job as a secretary at the financial services company Prudential, in Holborn, central London," Myers explained.

He continued, "Having seen her parents deal with the ups and downs of both being self-employed, she was determined to rise up the ranks of a big corporation, believing she could expand on the entrepreneurial spirit her parents had attempted to foster at home."

Conversely, Princess Kate's dad Michael had a very different upbringing. Per Myers, Michael was "born in Leeds, Yorkshire, on June 23, 1949," and "came from a wealthy family with ties to the British aristocracy."

Describing Michael's parents, Myers shared that "his father, Peter, served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War and later worked as a commercial pilot." Michael's mom, Valerie, "served as a voluntary aid detachment nurse with the British Red Cross during the Second World War" and "famously worked at the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park."

Importantly, Michael's relatives had dalliances with the Royal Family and hosted a number of royals during the Victorian era. "Such were their connections to the British aristocracy, they would on several occasions host Princess Mary, The Queen's aunt, while another relative before the First World War was a friend of Queen Victoria's son Prince Arthur and also of the future George V," Myers shared.

Even though Princess Kate didn't grow up as a member of the aristocracy, it's interesting to learn that her father's family had its own connections to the Royal Family.

While Princess Kate accompanied the Royal Family to church for their annual Easter Matins service, Carole Middleton made her own unexpected appearance for Easter Sunday.

Even though Carole didn't attend church alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales or their children—the extremely tall Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—she delivered her own Easter surprise. In an adorable photo shared by Kate's brother, James Middleton, Carole could be seen reading Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Benjamin Bunny to her grandson Inigo.

James captioned his Instagram post, "We are back...Many of you have been asking if I am ok. I have been absent from social media for a while. The truth is, this Lent I decided to give up social media (and it was wonderful)."

Princess Kate's brother continued, "Sometimes we don't fully realize the pressure social media puts on us until we take a step back. If I could offer one piece of advice for 2026, it would be to try it yourself; a week, a month, or even longer." He concluded his post by writing, "Anyhow...we're back! [wife] Alizée, [son] Inigo, the dogs, and I are wishing you all a very Happy Easter and thank you for checking in on me."

Additional photos shared by James revealed his beloved dogs and his son Inigo enjoying the outdoors.

Basically, while Princess Kate was busy celebrating Easter with the Royal Family, Carole appears to have been enjoying the countryside with her grandson Inigo.

When members of the Royal Family learned that Queen Elizabeth was dying on September 8, 2022, they rushed up to Balmoral Castle to be there. While Prince William flew to Scotland with his family, Princess Kate decided to stay home to keep a normal routine for their three children, who had just started their new school. In his new biography of the Prince and Princess of Wales, royal editor Russell Myers reveals who Kate relied on when it came time to break the sad news to George, Charlotte and Louis.

Although Princess Kate wanted to be there for the Royal Family, it was decided she’d stay back since the Wales children were already going through a time of huge change. The family had only just relocated to Windsor that summer and were starting over at Lambrook School after previously living in London their entire lives.

In William and Catherine, The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story, Myers shared that the decision for Kate be home with the children was “the right one for their family.” Fortunately for Princess Kate, there was one person she could rely on to help console Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

“Catherine called her mother, Carole, and asked her to come over to their Adelaide Cottage home to provide extra support for the children when they returned home from school,” Myers wrote.

“After picking them up herself and excitedly finding out about their first day, Catherine delivered the sad news that their beloved 'Gan-Gan' had passed away peacefully,” he added.

Having their grandmother and mom at home during such a sad time likely provided a great comfort to George, Charlotte and Louis, who were just 9, 7 and 4 at the time. Carole is a hands-on grandmother and spends time with her grandkids as much as possible, cooking with them at home and bringing them to parks and on local shopping trips.

For Prince William, it must have been a relief to know they were in good hands with Carole. According to Myers, the Prince of Wales once told an aide that his in-laws gave him “More room to breathe,” and during a trying time, Carole did just that.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis might be the kids of the future King and Queen, but Prince William and Princess Kate try to give them as many “normal” experiences as possible. Whether it’s driving the kids to school themselves, taking them out shopping or not having live-in staff, the Waleses don’t want George, Charlotte and Louis to live in a bubble like royals of the past. Royal sources have noted that part of this is down to Princess Kate’s middle-class upbringing and the enormous influence Carole and Michael Middleton have had on William, in particular.

In his new biography, William and Catherine, The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story, royal editor Russell Myers wrote that the Middletons’ “constant presence” has been a “crucial” part of shaping William and Kate’s parenting style.

“William appreciated their involvement beyond measure, enjoying their company and the normalcy of the environment, whatever the circumstance," Myers wrote.

He added that when the children were small, “Michael and Carole enjoyed visiting the couple in Norfolk and would often stay for weekends, providing much-needed extra support for the young family.”

Prince William is said to especially look up to his mother-in-law Carole, whose steady guidance has been much appreciated for a family living in the public eye. Keen to change the narrative of his own childhood, the Prince of Wales wants his children to have more freedom and privacy than he did growing up.

“Although there are some similarities, George is being raised in a very different way to Prince William,” royal expert Duncan Larcombe told the Daily Mail. “William has based his children's upbringing on the Middleton model–three children, affluent, but hardworking parents and lots of love in the house.”

Although the Wales family has a nanny, Maria Teresa Turrión Borrallo, they take on many of their childcare duties themselves. Grandma Carole also chips in with her grandchildren, telling Good Housekeeping magazine in 2021 that she loves to “cook,” “go on bike rides,” and “muck around dancing” with her grandkids.

“As long as I am able to, that’s what I’ll be doing,” she told the magazine.

Carole Middleton has always been very involved in the lives of her three children—Princess Kate, Pippa Middleton, and James Middleton. Now, a new report suggests that, despite closing down her business Party Pieces, Carole has apparently found herself another task to occupy her time.

According to the Daily Mail, Carole can regularly be found "mucking in at Bucklebury Farm, the ­petting zoo owned by her younger daughter [Pippa], where she serves teas in the cafe and lends a hand in the gift shop." Basically, Princess Kate's mom's schedule remains incredibly busy.

The 72-acre property includes everything from glamping pods to yoga classes and a children's play area. As Bucklebury Farm is located nearby to Carole and Michael Middleton's home, Bucklebury Manor, it makes sense that Pippa's mom would be heavily involved in the venture.

The Daily Mail also reported that Carole is "a hands-on, down-to-earth grandmother," whose "days are spent whipping up cottage pies and fragrant curries to fill the freezer, for when her seven grandchildren come to visit."

The outlet noted that Princess Kate's mom enjoys "going on dog walks in the Berkshire countryside and playing a weekly game of tennis with her girlfriends." She also finds time to take two of Pippa's children, Arthur and Grace, to school.

Meanwhile, a source sang Carole's praises, telling the publication, "Despite the fact that her daughter is a future Queen of England, she remains exactly the same with her friends."

The source continued, "There are no airs and graces. Given all the scandals that hit the Royal Family, we should be grateful to have a strong yet down-to-earth woman like her in the background."

Whether it's taking care of her grandchildren or helping out at Pippa's farm park, Carole appears to be happy to get involved.

When Carole Middleton made an appearance at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, she didn’t just exchange pleasantries with the Royal Family and move on to her own friends. Instead, Princess Kate’s mother walked into the racecourse with Zara and Mike Tindall, going on to watch the races from the royal box next to Queen Camilla and Princess Anne. Carole even hugged the no-nonsense Princess Royal as they cheered on the horses, and one royal biographer says that the Middletons have become a trusted part of the Royal Family.

Royal author and journalist Robert Jobson recently told Hello! that Carole’s discreet nature has helped earn the admiration of the royals. “The Middletons aren’t guests any more,” he shared. “They stopped being guests a long time ago. They’re family.”

He continues that the “shift” took time, but “it happened because of who Carole is and how she has conducted herself throughout every single one of those years.”

Whether it’s chatting with Princess Anne at Cheltenham or enjoying Royal Ascot with The King and Queen, Carole has seamlessly become part of the wider Royal Family.

“Trust is the thing with Carole,” Jobson noted. “She has been inside this world since William and Catherine first got together, and nothing has ever come out: not a conversation, not a confidence, not a whisper.”

Touching on the recent scandals surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the royal biographer added that Carole’s discretion and “almost unheard-of” loyalty is a welcome change.

“When an institution is taking that kind of damage, what matters is having people close to the family who are solid and keep their counsel; who don’t brief, don’t gossip and don't disappear when things get hard,” Jobson shared. “Carole is that person.”

The Middletons have the "unique" position of being non-aristocratic Brits who just happen to be the parents of the future Queen. Carole and her husband, Michael, are active and involved grandparents to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and even made a cameo in their daughter's official cancer recovery video.

“She does something that very few people manage,” the author continued of Carole. "She connects the institution to real family life, and that’s a unique role.”

Princess Kate hasn’t attended the Cheltenham Festival since 2013, when she was pregnant with Prince George, but Carole Middleton was happy to step in for her daughter as the royals attended the horse racing event on Wednesday, March 11. Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and Zara and Mike Tindall gathered at the Cheltenham Racecourse for the country-chic event, and Carole seamlessly fit in with the Royal Family, even wrapping her arms around hug-averse Princess Anne.

Bundled up in a gray coat and the same blue Hicks & Brown fedora owned by the Princess of Wales, Middleton casually toted a black ostrich skin Hermès Birkin bag as she hobnobbed with the royals. In a series of photos from the event, Carole embraces Princess Anne as they watch the races from the royal box—and unlike the time she swerved a hug at a rugby match last month, the Princess Royal was all smiles.

Middleton also shared some laughs with Anne’s daughter, Zara, and son-in-law, Mike Tindall, as they entered the racecourse for the day.

Fans couldn’t get enough of Carole’s interactions with the royals, like one who posted on X, “So fun! I think that’s the most chummy I’ve ever seen anyone with Princess Anne! Trust a warm Middleton to bring some joy.”

“Camilla's really into the race. Love how these three are so friendly and happy,” another X user posted, while a third added, “Its rare to see someone touching Anne and her not cringing.”

Carole and her husband, Michael Middleton, have proven to be a strong support for Kate and William over the years, and Prince William is said to have insisted that his in-laws be included on the guest list for The King's coronation in 2023. From quiet weekends with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to royal events like Princess Kate's annual Together at Christmas concert, it's clear that Carole fits right into both sides of her daughter's life.

Princess Anne might have gone viral when she ducked a hug from a Scottish rugby player last month, but her daughter, Zara Tindall, showed she wasn’t afraid to show some royal PDA while attending the 2026 Cheltenham Festival on March 11. Zara, who is married to former England rugby star Mike Tindall, shared a sweet kiss on the lips with her husband as they attended the horse racing event—and their loved-up display shows “an evolution with the monarchy.”

While members of the Royal Family are more likely to be seen kissing on the cheek, if at all, the famously low-key couple was pictured kissing in an image shared by Hello! as they stood next to Princess Kate’s mom, Carole Middleton. Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, body language expert Darren Stanton says that Mike and Zara are “not afraid to show PDA and are in good spirits no matter where they are.”

Noting that even gestures like “holding hands” were considered un-royal “in the past,” Stanton says that the Tindalls “signify an evolution with the monarchy and don’t have any issues showing public displays of affection.” He adds, “They are always laughing and beaming at each other, which isn’t put on for the paparazzi.”

Professional equestrian Zara, who won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics, is a frequent figure on the racing scene, and she attended the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday in a chic burgundy and gray outfit.

Zara wrapped up in a dark gray Katherine Hooker coat with a maroon windowpane check, adding a coordinating burgundy top by Hobbs, a skirt by The Fold London and a matching Juliette Botterill saucer hat. Like she did at Tuesday’s races, the royal wore pearl drop earrings from British label Hector Lion.

Princess Anne’s daughter, who serves as a brand ambassador for Fairfax & Favor, chose a pair of the British heritage label’s boots for the second day in a row, wearing a black suede heeled style. She also carried a burgundy bag by the brand, and although her velvet style is no longer available, it’s offered in shades ranging from classic black to a tri-colored navy iteration.

Princess Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, live a quiet, low-key life in Bucklebury, Berkshire, filled with cozy dinner parties, grandparent duties, and dog walks. Despite staying away from the public glare of being a royal relative, Carole Middleton can’t resist a day at the races. She’s a regular attendee at Ascot every summer, and just stepped out for a day at the Cheltenham Races.

Alongside Queen Camilla and Zara Tindall, the Middleton matriarch enjoyed a day of very British horse races on a sunny afternoon. The Cheltenham Races aren’t an official royal event, but are often attended by the horse-enthusiasts of the royal family, alongside major celebrities like Henry Cavill, Geri Halliwell-Horner, and Idris Elba. The dress code is less floral frocks and fabulous millinery, and is instead all about tweeds, trilbys, and country attire.

Carole Middleton took a style note out of her daughter’s royal wardrobe, pairing a classic plaid navy coat with a navy fedora featuring feather trim. The “Suffolk” fedora is designed by British countrywear brand Hicks & Brown, and features a circlet of natural bronze feathers and the brand’s iconic gold logo. Princess Kate has worn the same hat in navy blue, and a similar style in dark green. Duchess Sophie also owns the same hat, in a beige color, proving that the Hicks & Brown Suffolk fedora is the perfect British country princess style.

In a surprising style moment, Carole Middleton effortlessly carried an iconic Hermès Birkin bag to the day at the races. The black bag—if one could call an Hermès Birkin just “a bag”—is crafted from black ostrich skin and features gold hardware. While Carole’s bag looks like it might be a vintage or pre-loved style, similar Birkin bags, even secondhand, retail for about $40,000. Neither Princess Kate nor her sister, Pippa Middleton Matthews, have been seen sporting the legendary French brand, making this a truly personal style statement from Carole Middleton.

Princess Kate and Prince William's fairytale romance started when they both attended the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After marrying on April 29, 2011, the Prince and Princess of Wales have expanded their family to welcome three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. But according to one royal biographer, Kate and William's relationship was almost thwarted before it had the chance to begin.

In his new book William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story, royal expert Russell Myers shared (via Hello! magazine), "At first, [Kate's parents] Carole and Michael [Middleton] were dead set against the idea [of Kate attending St Andrews], with Carole in particular worried about her daughter losing academic momentum, but after listening to Catherine explain that she believed she would be suited to the quieter surroundings of St Andrews rather than the city life that Edinburgh would provide, they agreed to her decision."

Myers further explained, "The timing of Catherine's announcement to her parents would, years later, result in accusations that she changed her mind about Edinburgh because she wanted to follow the dashing young Prince William to St Andrews, where in August 2000 he had announced he would be studying."

However, the reason Princess Kate changed her mind was apparently unrelated to the eligible royal. "But the truth is...she had met a fellow student, an 18-year-old girl from Somerset who was set to go to the University of St Andrews," Myers shared. "The two hit it off so well that Catherine decided to explore the option of changing her course while she was still away [during her gap year]."

It's strange to think that, had Princess Kate attended college in Edinburgh, she might never have met Prince William.

Despite joining the Royal Family, Princess Kate has remained close to her parents and siblings. Kate's mom and dad, Carole and Michael Middleton, are reportedly integral to the lives of their grandchildren—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Now, a new book is suggesting that Carole's "constant presence" is super important to Princess Kate and Prince William's young family.

In his new book, William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story, Russell Myers suggested that Carole and Michael's close proximity to their daughter's home has been crucial. In fact, the author suggested that Kate's parents would regularly leave their home—Bucklebury Manor in Berkshire—to spend weekends at Kate and William's home—Anmer Hall in Norfolk—instead.

Myers shared (via Hello! magazine), "The Middleton family, who had become a constant presence in their lives, were crucial to this. William appreciated their involvement beyond measure, enjoying their company and the normalcy of the environment, whatever the circumstance. 'More room to breathe,' he once told an aide."

Myers continued, "Michael and Carole enjoyed visiting the couple in Norfolk and would often stay for weekends, providing much-needed extra support for the young family."

Obviously, becoming part of the Royal Family must have been a huge learning curve for the Middletons. As Myers explained, "Of course, William would have to explain why people bowed or curtsied to his grandmother, why on occasion they went to visit her in a castle, or who the men in the front of their cars and outside guarding their houses were, but the time to address George's future certainly wasn't now."

Clearly, Carole and Michael's involvement in the lives of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis offers the royal children a different, and essential, perspective.

Princess Kate is very close to her mother, Carole Middleton, which makes sense given the Middleton family’s close-knit bond. Luckily, when it comes to her son-in-law, there is no stereotypical mother-in-law tension between Prince William and Carole, the Middleton Matriarch. According to former royal butler Grant Harold, they have a very close relationship and always have.

“William always had a good relationship with both Kate’s parents, but especially her mother, Carole,” Harold, speaking on behalf of Heart Bingo Online, revealed. “When I was working with the family, he used to go and spend weekends at their house, which I know he really enjoyed.” The Middleton family home in Bucklebury is only about an hour’s drive from Kensington Palace, and even shorter if you take the royal helicopter. Michael Middleton once joked that he knew Prince William was serious about his daughter when he landed a chopper in the back yard of their family home.

According to reports from sources close to the royal couple, the Middleton family never treated Prince William with any airs or graces. “They are a warm and welcoming family, and I imagine gave him some of the normality he craved during his 20s and 30s,” Harold shared. The former member of the royal household felt that Prince William looked to Carole Middleton “as a second mother,” saying “he would speak to her when anything worries him, and if he wants advice or guidance. It’s always been the way.”

It is clear that Princess Kate’s family is a very welcome part of the extended royal family, appearing at major royal events and annual gatherings. This warmth is reportedly thanks to the relationship between Carole Middleton and Prince William. “There were reports that Prince William insisted that the Middletons were invited to King Charles' Coronation, which is a clear sign of his feelings towards them,” Harold revealed. “I believe they will be a strong support to the Royal Family going forward.”

Princess Kate celebrated her 44th birthday on January 9 with a special girls lunch with her mom and sister, Pippa Matthews and Carole Middleton. The three women dined on french fare at The Funghi Room in Hungerford, West Berkshire. In a Facebook post, the bistro said “last Friday, in our teeny Hungerford Bistro, we had the enormous pleasure of welcoming a rather extraordinary guest.”

"Every now and then something happens that sends a little fizz of excitement through the whole place and this week delivered a corker," the restaurant shared, before revealing that their extraordinary guest was Kate, the Princess of Wales.

Julie Sharp, who was also in the restaurant at the time, confirmed that the three women dined alongside everyone else, and tried to stay low-key. “I was in there at the same time with my sister's and it was also my birthday!” she shared. “Certainly gave it a special “frisson,” of course we all acted cool.”

“The entire team on duty reported the same thing: she was utterly charming, gracious and every bit as radiant in person as you’d imagine,” the restaurant shared. Hungerford is a small village about 30 minutes from where Carole and Pippa live in Bucklebury. Perhaps French-born sister-in-law Alizée, who is married to Princess Kate’s brother James, recommended the french eatery.

The intimate restaurant features large street-facing windows and several small tables. “Our all-day French inspired bistros have been created to evoke a relaxed and carefree feeling,” the restaurant shared on their website.

“A little moment of magic for our small bistro,” the restaurant said in their Facebook post, “and one we won’t forget in a hurry.”

Carole Middleton has always been involved in the lives of her royal grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, from their royal christenings to visits to the animal park and the beach. While Princess Kate feels the pressure to always “get in right” when it comes to motherhood, according to a feature in The Times, Granny Carole is always on hand to help out.

Prince George especially enjoys one-on-one time with his grandmother, who lives about 45-minutes away from their new home, Forest Lodge. Windsor resident Sally Pellow, 64, revealed that she once bumped into Prince George at an interior design store.

“I had popped in to pick up some wallpaper samples and Prince George had gone in with his granny, Carole Middleton,” Mrs Pellow revealed at a WI event last year. “He was beautifully dressed and sitting at a desk eating bits of orange.”

Carole and her husband, Michael Middleton, have always been very close with Prince William and Princess Kate. “Carole and Michael are just as much family to William as they are to Catherine,” Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, previously told the Daily Mail. “He loves Carole being around to help as she has been with the children from the beginning and it is easy and reassuring having her invaluable help.”

"She’s ferried and fetched George, Louis and Charlotte, taken them to school sports matches and given them endless support," an inside source told The Independent. A source close to the couple told the Daily Mail that Carole “above anyone else knows what makes Kate happy, what type of staff she will gel with, and understands her overriding need for loyalty and privacy.”

Running to stores with your grandmother isn't exactly the most exciting day out for any child, but Carole Middleton once showed that even royal kids aren't exempt from mundane errands. The Times recently published an in-depth piece about Princess Kate ahead of her 44th birthday on January 9, and in the profile, referenced a run-in one woman had with Kate's mom and Prince George.

According to the outlet, George, 12, is "used to helping on errands," noting how a "Windsor local" once spotted the future King "happily" snacking while his grandmother was at a furnishings shop. The moment in question was first revealed last September when the Prince and Princess of Wales visited a Women's Institute to mark the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death.

"I had popped in to pick up some wallpaper samples and Prince George had gone in with his granny, Carole Middleton," Sally Pellow, 64, said at the time, per the Standard.

Her Prince George sighting happened roughly five years ago, when George would've been around seven, and Pellow continued, "He was beautifully dressed and sitting at a desk eating bits of orange."

Elsewhere in the Times's profile, assistant editor Kate Mansey notes that the Princess of Wales feels "the pressure to 'get it right'" raising the future King. "It’s why the school runs and sporting fixtures are important, as is time with grandparents Carole and Michael Middleton," Mansey continues.

Taking part in everyday tasks like running errands is something that other monarchs certainly didn't experience, even if Prince William had a slightly less formal upbringing than his father. And as the future King, being raised with "normal" experiences will become more important than ever in a world where the monarchy must strive to become more relevant.

However, no one is perfect. As Prince William joked during his Women's Institute visit in September, George might behave impeccably in public, but "behind closed doors, it’s a different story."

Princess Kate's brother, James Middleton, and his wife, Alizée Thevenet, rarely make public appearances with the Royal Family, but there's one event you can guarantee they're not going to miss each year. The couple, joined by parents Carole and Michael Middleton, made their annual appearance at Princess Kate's Together at Christmas concert on Friday, December 5.

Carole coordinated with the entire Wales family—who wore shades of blue and green to the concert—in a black watch tartan coat, while James looked dapper in a navy wool coat, skinny trousers and whimsical red dog socks. But French-born Alizée skipped the blues and greens in favor of a very Parisian outfit at Westminster Abbey.

Thevenet arrived at the concert in an oversized beige checked coat by it-girl label Sézane, pairing it with the brand's matching Ciara trousers. The slightly flared, cropped pants combined with the outfit's camel, black and brown pattern gave her outfit a very '70s vibe, and she paired it with a white sweater with a ruffled collar and a pair of tan suede booties.

Alizée added another French-girl touch to her outfit, carrying a burgundy Longchamp bag from the Parisian brand's new collection. She removed the leather design's crossbody strap and carried it by its handles as she arrived at the concert, which is held at Westminster Abbey each December.

James and Alizée married in 2021 and welcomed their son, Inigo, in 2023. The couple live in Berkshire near the Middletons and are famous dog lovers, with James crediting his late dog, Ella, for saving his life during a period of deep depression and suicidal ideation.

As for James's big sister, Kate, she re-wore a forest green Catherine Walker coat and a Troy London fur collar for the 2025 Together at Christmas concert, adding a Miu Miu tartan skirt underneath.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis also attended the festive event, with Charlotte, 10, trading her favorite Trotters coat for a cropped navy jacket with a white pilgrim collar and a matching navy dress. Meanwhile, George, 12, and Louis, 7, matched with dad Prince William in blue suits and blue-and-green ties.

Growing up, Prince William and Prince Harry enjoyed freedoms that their father, King Charles, never could have imagined as a child. But along with taking trips to McDonald's and theme parks with Princess Diana, the young princes still had to endure forced photo calls with the press, paparazzi at school drop-off and a very public childhood. Kate Middleton, on the other hand, experienced a much more normal upbringing with parents Carole and Michael Middleton in the Berkshire countryside—and it's something that the Prince of Wales is keen to replicate for his own kids as much as possible.

When it comes to parenting, "Kate’s family has set the pace, and William has been very happy to take the lead from them," author Robert Lacey told People in a new cover story about Prince George's life as the future King. "Many decisions they’ve made echo Middleton decisions," he continued.

These choices include moving Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, from living in the middle of a tourist attraction at Kensington Palace to the seclusion of Adelaide Cottage, a modest four-bedroom home on the Windsor Castle estate. The house has no room for live-in staff and has allowed the children to play outside and enjoy a much more normal upbringing, a life the family will continue when they relocate to Forest Lodge, a nearby Georgian mansion in Windsor Great Park, later this year.

Previously, royal sources have noted that the Prince of Wales looks to Carole and Michael, along with brother-in-law James and sister-in-law Pippa, as an example of a happy, normal unit—something he didn't get to experience growing up. "The Middletons are a traditional family, which is why William enjoyed being around them so much," Majesty magazine editor-in-chief Ingrid Seward told Hello! earlier this year.

In the couple's 2010 engagement interview, Prince William called the Middletons "really loving and caring and really fun," adding, "I get on really well with them, and I’m very lucky that they’ve been so supportive."

Giving his children the opportunity to play school sports, go on vacations without posing for staged press photos and take part in activities with other kids has given them the chance to grow up largely outside the spotlight. "William takes his role as father of the future King as seriously as he takes his role as future King. That’s key," royal author Robert Hardman told People, adding that the prince's "overarching priority" is to ensure his kids "enjoy" royal life "rather than fear it."

The Princess of Wales might not have made an appearance at Wimbledon 2025 just yet, but her parents Carole and Michael Middleton enjoyed a day in the royal box on Monday, July 7. The couple—who made a surprise cameo in Princess Kate's cancer update video last fall—have been instrumental in supporting their daughter through her cancer battle, and on Monday, they were greeted warmly by one of the Royal Family's hardest working members.

Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester, 79, is married to Queen Elizabeth's first cousin the Duke of Gloucester, and has long served as a full-time working royal taking on numerous charity engagements each year. Carole shared kisses with Birgitte as the duchess entered the royal box, with the two sharing a sweet interaction before taking their seats.

Carole, 70, wore a brown striped shirt dress by one of her daughter's favorite brands, Beulah London, with the mom of three choosing to wear the midi-length style without its included belt.

The tennis match marks the second royal appearance the Middletons have made in recent weeks. On June 18, Carole attended Royal Ascot, the same day the Princess of Wales pulled out of an appearance at the event.

Carole, joined by son James Middleton's wife, Alizée Thevenet, was pictured sharing laughs with The King and several of Kate's close friends in the royal box amid the princess's absence from the racing action. A "subdued" Prince William attended the event solo, riding in a carriage with The King and Queen Camilla.

Another member of the Middleton family made a rare public appearance over the weekend, with middle daughter Pippa, 41, attending the British Grand Prix—the first time she's been spotted at an event since 2024's Together at Christmas concert.

Kate Middleton found herself at the center of a major controversy on Mother's Day in 2024. After sharing a new photo of herself with her three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—the picture was removed from several photo agencies following accusations of manipulation. Princess Kate subsequently apologized, admitting she edited the photo herself, which may have led to some inaccuracies. As we approach Mother's Day 2025, royal experts are wondering how Princess Kate will handle the milestone, and whether her own mother, Carole Middleton, might play an important role.

"There's no doubt that every milestone is extra special for the prince and princess and their family as they move further from the day she was diagnosed with cancer," former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK! magazine (via the Mirror). "This Mother's Day is one they can wholeheartedly celebrate as Catherine continues her recovery looking radiant and back to her vibrant self."

According to Bond, Princess Kate might decide to lean on her mother this weekend, and celebrate Carole on social media, taking the spotlight away from 2024's Photoshop faux pas. "Whether Carole and Mike will decide to spend the day with the Wales's or their other children, we don't of course know," Bond explained. "I suppose it's possible that the whole Middleton clan could meet at Buckleberry [Farm] for a family celebration—or at Pippa's [home] nearby."

Regardless of whether Carole spends time with Kate on Mother's Day, it seems likely everyone will be celebrating the Princess of Wales's recovery from cancer. "Whatever the case, it's certain that everyone will want to make a fuss of Catherine, and Catherine will want to make a fuss of her mother, who has been so important in helping her recover," Bond told the outlet.

Bond also noted how crucial Mike and Carole Middleton had been throughout Princess Kate's cancer journey. "Just how important they are in their family life was obvious when Catherine's film about the end of her cancer treatment included some lovely footage of Mike and Carole playing what looked like a very competitive game of cards at the prince and princess's home in Norfolk," Bond explained.

As for 2024's Mother's Day error, Bond believes the Prince and Princess of Wales are ready to leave the mistake behind, once and for all. "I'm sure the whole family will be wanting to erase the memory of last year's Mother's Day," Bond told OK! magazine. "[A]nd it will be interesting to see whether she releases another card this time. I think she will."

Princess Kate, Prince William, and their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—recently vacationed on the island of Mustique. In fact, Kate Middleton traded her BAFTAs gown for a bikini, despite the fact that Prince William is president of the organization. As well as being a royal favorite destination, beloved by Princess Margaret, Kate and William's vacation served as the perfect backdrop for Carole Middleton's 70th birthday.

It was previously reported that Carole had joined her daughter, her son-in-law, and grandchildren on the exclusive island for the family trip. According to the Daily Mail, Kate made sure her mom had a birthday she'd never forget in the perfect location.

The outlet reported that "Princess Margaret's famed bolthole, Les Jolies Eaux," was "the only place" the late Queen's sister "could truly relax." Unsurprisingly, "Carole, too, can escape the scrutiny and expectations that accompany being the mother of one of the most photographed women in the world." As such, it apparently made sense to return to the private island to celebrate her 70th birthday

"There's nowhere Carole would rather be than in Mustique for her 70th with her daughter," a source told the Daily Mail. "Carole really lets her hair down and happily chats to anyone she meets on the island. She feels totally at ease but remains discreet—regardless of how many cocktails are consumed."

The outlet reported that Carole is a regular at the island's bar, with a source saying, "She loves a few bottles of cold white wine and leaves Michael despairing of her antics sometimes." Per the Daily Mail, Carole was joined by all of her children—Kate, Pippa, and James—along with their partners and children for the special occasion.

"Carole is queen of the island," a source told the publication. "She really lets loose, and she's a hoot. But these days she tends to do most of her socializing before Kate and the family arrive. Once they get there, Carole goes to ground and prefers to have private catered dinners at the villa." As the villa reportedly costs $46,000 per week to rent, and boasts "two swimming pools, access to a private beach, and a dining pavilion open on four sides with views of the sea," it's completely understandable that Carole and the Middletons would savor the privacy.

Prince Louis has won hearts with his funny faces and sugar-fueled behavior at royal events over the years, and as one royal expert pointed out, he's even more spirited behind the scenes.

The 6-year-old son of Prince William and Princess Kate is "a cheeky monkey—a typical third child,” as one friend of the family told People in 2022. And while he's living his best youngest child life during public events, he's apparently even cheekier behind the scenes.

Royal editor Rebecca English told a hilarious story about Prince Louis on the Daily Mail's "Royal Confidential" podcast, sharing that the Princess of Wales's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton are "hands-on grandparents" who take Louis and his sister Charlotte, 9, and brother George, 11, "out for walks, the farm park, the seaside."

During one such beach vacation, English said that a friend of writer Sophia Money-Coutts happened to be in Mustique, where the Middletons often escape to for holidays. While enjoying the beach, the vacationer overheard little Louis giving his grandma quite the snappy comeback.

In a recent piece for the Daily Mail, Money-Coutts shared, "One friend of mine staying on the same Caribbean island a couple of years ago talked of seeing Carole, in her role as Mary Poppins, trying to cajole a small Prince Louis out of the sea. ‘Go away,’ he cheekily responded, ‘you’re old!’"

After English shared the story on "Royal Confidential," host Jo Elvin and panelist Richard Eden burst out laughing, with English adding, "it's a sweetly Louis thing to say." Elvin then repeated Prince Louis's retort, quipping, "That is a dis that a grandma just has to take on the chin."

Hilariously, Eden pointed out that part of the allure of Mustique "is that it's a private island and people won't report back what you say." In this case, however, what happens in the Caribbean didn't seem to stay there.

Naughty remarks aside, Carole, who celebrated her 70th birthday on Jan. 31, has been praised for not only supporting her daughter, but for providing her grandkids and Prince William a "traditional family" setting outside of palace walls.

Princess Kate turned a routine royal engagement into a moment of birthday shopping success during a solo trip to Wales on Jan. 30. During an unannounced visit to Corgi, the ultra-luxe Welsh knitwear brand, Kate found herself on the receiving end of an unexpected birthday assist for mom Carole Middleton, who turned 70 the following day.

The surprise moment came courtesy of 12-year-old Cari, whose family runs the prestigious textile company. The pre-teen presented Kate with a cream cashmere cardigan to thank her for her visit, but also presented the royal with a navy cashmere wrap specially chosen for birthday girl Carole.

Per Hello! the Princess of Wales exclaimed, "That's so sweet of you, thank you. I wasn't expecting it."

During her visit, Kate championed British craftsmanship, a cause close to her heart over the years. She toured the factory floor, chatted with the design team and even tried her hand out at making socks and sweaters. It turns out textile manufacturing runs in the royal's own family history—as Kensington Palace pointed out, her paternal ancestors owned a wool manufacturer based in Leeds, England.

Along with having a rather appropriate name, Corgi also possesses some serious royal credentials. The brand has held a warrant from The King (the then-Prince of Wales) since 1989 and the honor was recently renewed when King Charles and Queen Camilla gave out new warrants in late 2024.

Along with Kate's new sweater and Carole's cashmere wrap, another member of the family also owns a Corgi design. The King once gifted a personalized baby blue sweater for a young Prince George, who wore it in a 2014 family portrait with his parents and their beloved dog Lupo, who died in 2020.

As for Carole's birthday, Kate's brother, James Middleton, shared a heartwarming baby photo on Instagram, complete with the simple but touching caption: "Happy 70th Birthday to my darling Mother. My Hero❤️."

Prince William and Kate Middleton are famously close to her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, along with siblings Pippa and James. Whether it's showing up to support the Princess of Wales at her annual Christmas carol concert or sharing laughs with William at Royal Ascot, the Middletons—especially Carole—have become a steady fixture in royal life. According to Majesty magazine editor-in-chief Ingrid Seward, the Prince of Wales has come to rely on his mother-in-law just as much as his wife does.

"Carole has always been a rock for Kate, especially this past year—she's been amazing," Seward told Hello! Indeed, Princess Kate has been supported by her family as she's recovered from cancer, with Carole playing a leading role in helping take care of her daughter and grandkids Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Noting that "strength" would be the word she'd use to describe the Middleton matriarch, the royal biographer gave quite the colorful description of Carole. "I imagine her as a sort of pioneer woman driving a wagon with a rifle at her feet, and three children in the back, fighting off any enemy," she said. "Basically, that's what she's been doing all her life, isn't it?"

However, Kate and the kids aren't the only ones being looked after by "pioneer woman" Carole. "The Middletons are a traditional family, which is why William enjoyed being around them so much," Seward noted.

Having grown up with the rules and complicated protocol surrounding the Royal Family, being part of a "normal" unit like the Middletons must come as a refreshing change of pace for the Prince of Wales. And as much as The King might enjoy his grandkids,

"Kate’s got a very, very close family,” William said in his 2010 engagement interview with Kate. “I get on really well with them, and I’m very lucky that they’ve been so supportive." He went on to call Mr. and Mrs. Middleton "really loving and caring and really fun," adding the couple had been "really welcoming" and made him feel like "a part of the family."

Seward told Hello! that Carole has a caring, yet take-charge personality. "When things go wrong, they pull together under Carole's direction," the author said. "She is the matriarch of this family and they all take her advice because they have great respect for their mum."

Although Carole has admitted that press intrusion wore on her family during the early days of William and Kate's relationship, she's gone on to become more comfortable taking part in aspects of royal life. Michael and Carole even made a surprising cameo in Princess Kate's cancer update video in September 2024 as they played games with their grandkids.

The mom of three and grandma of seven does, however, thrive helping out behind the scenes.

"Carole is a really helpful, practical and unflappable mum and grandmother," Seward said. "Rather than ask what she can do, she just gets on with it; she’s very proactive. When William went back to royal duties, she was doing the school run and probably doing things like filling the freezer with the kids' favorite foods."

Carole Middleton has long been accused of orchestrating Kate Middleton's relationship with Prince William, but according to a report, the mother of the future Queen once shared frustrations about how the royal courtship impacted her family.

Daily Mail reporter Richard Eden wrote in his Thursday, Jan. 30 column that Carole—whose daughter had been dating Prince William for five years at the time—had revealed to him what it was like for the Middletons behind the scenes while attending a 2008 horse race.

"'You see, I feel very vulnerable about everything,' she told me at the Hennessy Gold Cup, at Newbury racecourse, just a few miles from her house in Berkshire," Eden penned. Carole, who also shares daughter Pippa and son James with husband Michael Middleton, continued that the press intrusion around their family had impacted them greatly.

"I’m not a celebrity and don’t want to be one," she told Eden at the time. "Celebrities have minders and PR people. I don’t want a PR person and wouldn’t want to have to pay to employ one. I haven’t asked for all this."

Carole, who launched party supply story Party Pieces from her home and grew it into a hugely successful venture, continued that she was "worried" about James and Pippa, as well as her company.

"I'm concerned about my business; that's my focus," she told Eden during their 2008 meeting. "I don't want the attention to detract from that. I'm also worried for my family. I have three children, not just Catherine."

There has long been a narrative that Carole was the one who pushed Kate to attend the University of St. Andrews in order to snag a prince, even though the couple had already met as teenagers. The rumor has continued over the years in the media, in books, and on The Crown, as Eden noted, but as the columnist wrote, Prince William was the one who went after Kate, "and not the other way round."

Carole's brother, Gary Middleton, told The Crown: Fact or Fiction podcast that his sister's portrayal on the show was "that bad" he wondered "why Carole hasn't taken legal action." While the show made it seem like Kate's mom had pushed her into going after the prince, William actually paid £200 to win a date with Middleton during a charity auction, as revealed by one of their former university classmates in a recent interview.

As for Carole, the 69-year-old entrepreneur will mark her 70th birthday on Friday, Jan. 31—and with the Princess of Wales now in remission from cancer and seven grandchildren to spoil, it seems like she has plenty to celebrate this year.

Fashion has long been a way for mothers, daughters and sisters to connect across generations, and the Royal Family is no different. Just like Queen Elizabeth shared clothing with her little sister, Princess Margaret, and daughter, Princess Anne, Carole Middleton has been known to swap pieces with her daughters Kate and Pippa Middleton.

Carole—who turns 70 on Jan. 31—has been spotted on several occasions wearing outfits her daughters have worn (and vice versa). From elegant coats to chic dresses, the Middletons have always embraced classic styles that work just as well on a mom in her sixties as they do on younger women.

One of the first—and most well-known—examples of Kate and Carole sharing clothing is the blue Reiss dress that the then-Duchess of Cambridge wore for her first-ever public speech in 2012. It turns out the cobalt style with a wide black belt was actually worn by Kate's mother to Royal Ascot two years earlier.

Since then, Kate, Carole and Pippa have shared numerous items of clothing, including the pink Me+Em shirt dress that the Princess of Wales first wore in 2021. Royal Ascot was once again the scene of a royal re-wear for this item, with Carole stepping out in the dress to watch the horse race in 2022. Princess Kate went on to wear the dress yet again while visiting the Chelsea Flower show for another pretty-in-pink moment in 2023.

Most recently, Carole stepped out at the 2024 Together at Christmas carol concert in the same full-skirted white Max Mara coat that the Princess of Wales wore for a 2015 royal event. The mom of three has also worn the same outfits as younger daughter Pippa; she showed up in the navy-and-cream striped sweater that Pippa was spotted wearing nearly a decade earlier in a 2022 Instagram post.

Kate and Pippa have also swapped clothing in the past, sharing items like a white minidress the princess wore before she was married to William and a burgundy polka-dot Whistles shirt dress in more recent years.

The Middleton family's proclivity for hand-me-downs also extends to weddings, as James Middleton's wife, Alizée Thevenet, borrowed her mother-in-law's boho-style wedding dress for her own 2021 wedding.

The tradition of sharing clothing with family mirrors that of the late Queen Elizabeth, who often lent garments to her sister, Princess Margaret. While Margaret certainly had a different style, she mixed up her sister's items—like a kelly green coat of The Queen's she wore for a VE Day celebration in 1995—with different accessories.

As Historic Royal Palaces noted in an Instagram post about its upcoming exhibition, Royal Dress Codes, Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth also dressed alike as children, and two of their adorable Liberty-print outfits will go on display at Kensington Place in March.

Last year, Princess Anne followed her usual habit of recycling outfits, but with a sentimental twist, wearing her mother's purple Angela Kelly coat for a busy day of royal engagements. Like mother, like daughter.

After sharing news of her cancer diagnosis in March, Princess Kate retreated from the spotlight for the majority of 2024. In September, she announced that she'd completed chemotherapy and would be making a slow return to her official royal duties. Throughout the year, Kate Middleton found support in those around her, with two people making a particular difference to her life, says a royal expert.

"A year like they have just endured must, as William said, have been brutal for the entire family," former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK! magazine (via the Mirror). "But it seems clear that they have pulled together as a unit and they look very much in harmony and delighted to be out and about together again."

Referencing two family members who supported the Princess of Wales in 2024, Bond told the outlet, "I think a shout-out should also go to Carole and Michael Middleton, who have undoubtedly been a vital part of the family this year, both practically and emotionally. I'm sure William and Catherine leaned on them very hard during their darkest days."

Bond also noted that Carole and Michael have a close bond with Kate and William's children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. "And, as we know from Louis' card on the tree at the carol service, Granny and Grandpa are great playmates for their grandchildren and have put in more than a shift or two playing games with them," Bond told the publication.

As for whether or not George, Charlotte, and Louis will be in the spotlight next year, Bond said, "I don’t think there's any reason to suspect we'll see more of them in 2025, but there will be the usual occasional public appearance as their parents gently acclimatize them to life in the public eye."

Ultimately, the royal expert believes that Kate and William found strength in close family members as they handled challenging health news behind-the-scenes. "I think William and Catherine should be rightly proud of their brood and proud of themselves for guiding them through this incredibly difficult year," Bond said.

The British Royal Family have a plethora of Christmas traditions, including spending the festive season at the monarch's residence on Sandringham estate in Norfolk. However, 2024 may be a little different, if a new report is to be believed.

Following a difficult year, in which both Princess Kate and King Charles announced cancer diagnoses, Christmas could include some new traditions. According to the Daily Beast, "William and Kate are expected to host a 'rival Christmas party' at their home on the Sandringham estate, Anmer Hall, with Kate’s family including her parents, Mike and Carole, in attendance."

Unlike the formal Christmas parties of the past, which were impeccably hosted by Queen Elizabeth, Kate Middleton's festive celebration "will be notable for its studied informality," the publication reported.

The outlet also cited sources who suggested that other members of the Royal Family "are waiting to see how Charles’ health holds up in the coming months before making plans."

The Daily Beast also reported one of Prince Andrew's friends claimed, "It will be a quieter Christmas than last year, but the question is, how quiet? Usually everyone would know what bits they are invited to by now. This year, it’s just wait and see."

The publication suggested that the Royal Family's annual Boxing Day hunt will still go ahead, but Prince William will take over from his father as the hunt's leader.

As for how the public will perceive Kate and William's Christmas plan, one source told the outlet to expect "more messaging this year... of a 'middle class flavor,' emphasizing eating chocolate, movie marathons, and generally sliding off the couch in a tryptophan haze like everyone else."

Kate and William are also expected to share private moments from their family's Christmas on social media. A former royal courtier told the outlet, "A little social media of the family eating chocolate and watching TV would be a very effective way of showing how normal Christmas is at Anmer Hall compared to what we hear about at Sandringham."

Royal fans around the world breathed a sigh of relief when Kate Middleton announced she had completed her cancer treatment on Sept. 9 — and along with the good news, the princess shared some rarely seen moments with her parents in a touching new video.

"As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment," the Princess of Wales said in the intimate Instagram Reel.

The video went on to show scenes of the princess enjoying time outdoors with Prince William and their three children before the family stopped by to see Carole and Michael Middleton.

In the clip, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis (who sweetly sits on his father's lap) gather around a table to play cards with their parents and grandparents.

Carole and Michael Middleton are known to have been hands-on grandparents since the start, and proud grandma Carole was spotted taking a young Prince George to the zoo and park on several occasions.

But while the Middletons have attended royal functions in the past, such as the princess's "Together at Christmas" concert and King Charles's coronation, their appearance in the video marks a rather personal turn for the Waleses' social media.

Royal watchers seem to be into the couple's new approach, like one who posted on X that the video was "absolutely lovely," adding, "We have never seen them like this or at home with the Middletons."

"What a beautiful, strong, loving family. Loved the scene playing cards with the Middletons. They are well grounded," another fan wrote on X.

"So happy to see you spending your time with the Middletons as well!" another social media user commented on the Princess of Wales's X post, adding, "I believe they’re a really good example and sturdy support for you over the years."

The princess's brother, James Middleton, even jumped into the comments on Instagram, writing, "I couldn’t be more proud ❤️."

Aside from the surprise cameo from the Middletons, the video showed the Wales family spending some quality time on a beach and in the woods, with the mom of three taking a dip in the ocean as she laughed with Princess Charlotte at the end.

"Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus," the Princess of Wales said. "Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes."

Earlier this year, Princess Kate stepped back from her official royal duties after announcing her cancer diagnosis. The Princess of Wales made a few public appearances over the summer, notably attending Wimbledon with her daughter, Princess Charlotte, in July. Now, Kate has shared an emotional update on both her family and her health in an Instagram reel shot by Will Warr.

On Monday, Kate Middleton shared personal video footage of her family, along with a caption addressing her cancer treatment, on Instagram. "As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment," she explained. "The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown."

The adorable footage showed Princess Kate and Prince William holding hands and embracing while enjoying the outdoors. Further clips showed their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—playing games, running through fields, and spending time with their parents. The family were also joined by Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, for an indoor card game. Most importantly, the footage is proof that the Prince and Princess of Wales prioritized their family unit during what must have been an incredibly scary time.

As public figures, George, Charlotte, and Louis are often photographed at official royal events like Trooping the Colour. However, Princess Kate's intimate post shows the Wales family spending time away from prying eyes, and enjoying one another's company.

In her candid caption, Princess Kate also explained, "This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved."

She continued, "Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes."

The Princess of Wales also suggested she's preparing to return to official royal duties in the coming months. "I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can," she noted.

Royal fans will, of course, be delighted to catch a glimpse of life in the Prince and Princess of Wales' household. And most importantly, George, Charlotte, and Louis look extremely happy to be spending time with their parents.

The sweet bond between Prince William and his mother-in-law, Carole Middleton, was on full display on the second day of Royal Ascot yesterday—including the Prince of Wales swooping in and helping Carole avoid a potentially embarrassing fall after her heel got stuck in the grass at the annual staple in the royal diary.

Missing—perhaps not surprisingly—was the Princess of Wales, who did make a surprise appearance at last Saturday’s Trooping the Colour, but who is not fully back to work, though she did say in a statement released last Friday that she hopes to join some royal events this summer (though she didn’t specify which ones).

As far back as William and Kate’s engagement interview in 2010, William expressed affection for the Middletons—and it’s believed that Kate’s extremely close-knit birth family of five is one of the many reasons William was attracted to her in the first place when they began dating in the early aughts. (In addition to her mother Carole, Kate is extremely close to her father Michael and younger siblings Pippa and James.) “Kate’s got a very, very close family,” William said back in 2010, per Hello. “I get on really well with them, and I’m very lucky that they’ve been so supportive. Mike and Carole have been really loving and caring and really fun and have been really welcoming towards me, so I’ve felt really a part of the family—and I hope that Kate’s felt the same with my family.”

Yesterday’s appearance at Royal Ascot marked the first time that Carole and Michael had been seen publicly since last December, when they attended Kate’s Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey. Since then, it has been tumultuous, with Kate being diagnosed with cancer at the top of the year and the rampant public speculation that surrounded her absence from public life. Carole—who lives at Bucklebury Manor at Berkshire—has been spotted in unofficial capacities in 2024, though sparingly; she was photographed driving Kate through Windsor back in March, fresh on the heels of the infamous Photogate scandal, and at a pub with William in April. Carole also spent the Easter holidays with the Wales family of five (William and Kate and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis) at their country home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk.

At day two of Royal Ascot yesterday, The Daily Mail reports that “Carole was seen having her very own Cinderella moment, as her foot slipped out of her heel, which was left behind in the ground—but luckily she had a charming prince on hand.” Enter William, who rescued his mother-in-law from a potentially embarrassing fall; The Daily Mail adds that “The pair were seen laughing off the incident as they walked off together and joined other guests.” (Rebecca English of The Daily Mail took to X—formerly known as Twitter—to call the Prince of Wales a “true gentleman.”) The outlet writes that “William looked delighted that his wife’s parents were enjoying a day out at the races,” as this period has, no doubt, been impossibly difficult on them, too. To the world, she’s the Princess of Wales, but to Carole and Michael? That’s their kid.

“They are the unsung heroes of the current period, eschewing the limelight but undoubtedly making a very significant contribution at such a difficult time for the Wales family,” royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said, per The Daily Mail. “As we rejoice that Catherine made such a stunning success at her first official appearance in six months at Trooping the Colour, spare a thought for her parents, who have undoubtedly helped her and her family so much during this stressful period.”

Though Kate wasn’t physically present at Royal Ascot, Carole channeled her eldest daughter in her own outfit: a light blue floral Self-Portrait dress, reminiscent of an Elie Saab look Kate wore, also to Royal Ascot, in 2019. (Kate is also a fan of Self-Portrait.) Carole’s outfit featured a bow, pleated detailing, and was paired with a matching light blue fascinator featuring a statement flower, a pair of dark blue heels, and Emily Mortimer Electra Gold Sky and London Blue Topaz earrings.

Body language expert Judi James told The Sun that Carole and William’s interaction yesterday signals a “maternal” and “supportive bond,” and added that William looks “relaxed” in her company—and that it’s clear they are “a very relaxed and close family unit.” 

James continued that “Carole’s eye attention is firmly on William as she listens to him speak, showing active listening signals and making this look like a deeper, warmer, and fonder chat than just Ascot small talk.” She further added that “It’s so clear that the presence of Kate’s mother and father, who have had a very parental role in William’s life, creates what looks like a safe place for William to relax and have fun in the wake of all the worries over his wife’s illness.”

After all, William has known the Middletons since he was just a tender 19 years old; he’ll turn 42 tomorrow, so that’s over half of his life. “William’s bond with Carole and Michael is believed to have grown only stronger in recent years,” Tatler reports, and royal commentator and biographer Duncan Larcombe told The Mirror that William has become “like an adopted son” to the Middletons. 

“One of the things that has clearly strengthened William and Kate’s relationship from the beginning was the fact that Kate came from a very tight-knit family,” he said. “It is something that he has kind of lacked in his life, obviously losing his mother. So it is only natural [that Carole and Michael] will step into the breach and support [William and Kate] throughout this in every way. The Middletons are the perfect antidote, really, to the pomp and pageantry of the royal family, because they are quite an ordinary family unit, which will be important to help aid Kate’s recovery.”

Per The Mirror, Carole and Michael were, naturally, said to be “desperately upset” about their daughter’s cancer diagnosis earlier this year, but were “rallying” to support both Kate and William, as well as their kids: “They’ll have rallied around her, especially her young family,” Larcombe said. “Carole and Michael will have essentially thrown a safety blanket around the young children to help protect them. In times like this for Kate, it is hugely important. It is crucial the children are looked after carefully.”

In Carole’s own words, she told Good Housekeeping that she will always be an active part in the lives of George, Charlotte, and Louis. “I want to run down the hills, climb the trees, and go through the tunnel at the playground,” she said. “As long as I am able to, that’s what I’ll be doing. I cook with them. I muck around dancing, we go on bike rides.” After the Wales family moved to Adelaide Cottage and Windsor in September 2022, they became geographically much closer to the Middletons, which has only allowed George, Charlotte, Louis, and their maternal grandparents to grow closer, a closeness no doubt accentuated even more so throughout the past few months. 

When the Princess of Wales was spotted out in public yesterday—the first time she’s been seen since Christmas Day, a full 70 days prior—she was seen riding in the passenger seat of a car driven by her mother, Carole Middleton. What were the two women up to on their drive? Well, it turns out, a very relatable activity.

The mother-daughter duo were, The Daily Express reports, on the school run, on the way back from dropping off Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis at Lambrook School, where all three attend. Kate “flashed a seemingly low-key smile as she was snapped in the front seat of her mum, Carole Middleton’s, car today,” the outlet reported.

After her last public appearance on Christmas Day, where she attended church at St. Mary Magdalene at Sandringham alongside the rest of the royal family, Kate wasn’t seen publicly as the new year dawned. On January 17, Kensington Palace reported that the day prior, Kate underwent a planned abdominal surgery, and that she would be recovering and off of public royal duties until after Easter, which this year falls on March 31.

Despite the Palace being quite clear about the timeline for when we can expect to see the Princess of Wales again, last week concerned speculation about Kate’s whereabouts reached fever pitch, particularly on social media. The fervor was so rampant that a representative for Kate issued a statement last Thursday, February 29, which read “Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands.”

Perhaps coincidentally, perhaps not, after over two months away, we saw Kate yesterday, albeit in grainy photos. The pictures—taken near Windsor Castle, where Kate and her family of five live at nearby Adelaide Cottage—showed Kate wearing sunglasses and a coat in the front passenger seat of an Audi 4x4, driven by Carole, one of her chief caretakers during her recovery. Kate’s husband Prince William has also partially stepped back from his own royal duties to take care of his wife and their three children; Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton Matthews, brother James Middleton, and the Wales family nanny, Maria Teresa Borrallo, have also been instrumental in Kate’s recovery.

Kate was released from The London Clinic on January 29 and chose to convalesce at Adelaide Cottage “to be close to her children,” The Daily Express reports. The Palace has confirmed that she is “doing well” in her recovery, and reports suggest that Carole and Pippa in particular have been caring for her closely “as she tries to get better and juggle family life,” the outlet reports.

And part of that juggling act includes, apparently, making time for the school run—something that has long been important to the princess as she seeks to maintain as much normalcy as possible for George, Charlotte, and Louis.

Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford have been happily married since 2012, quite despite a 12-year-old Mulligan's better judgment.

Appearing on the SmartLess podcast recently, the Maestro star explained that she and the Mumford & Sons frontman first met at camp when they were kids, but that she originally didn't like him that way.

"We were friends when we were kids, so we went to camp together. We met when he was 10 and I was 12," Mulligan recounted to hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett.

"We didn’t [hook up] but I wrote in my diary that he was the nicest, the kindest person I’d ever met, and I gave him 9 1/2 out of 10."

Asked to rate him now, Mulligan quipped, "You know what, he's getting up there, I give him a solid 6."

She continued, "Yeah, and I also wrote in my diary that he definitely wasn’t boyfriend material. I mean, not that I’d ever had a boyfriend at that time, but I decided that he was not it."

As for how they reconnected after that fateful experience at camp, the actress added, "We were pen pals for a couple of years and then we lost touch. Then the internet happened and we—God, the internet happened—and we started, we were both on Facebook for like six months, so we touched base there briefly. And then we met again when I was like 24."

Since their 2012 wedding, Mulligan and Mumford have welcomed three children together: a daughter named Evelyn Grace, a son named Wilfred, and a second daughter born in late 2023, per People.

At the time, speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Mulligan confirmed my suspicions that she pretty much rates every person in her life out of 10, including her newborn. "Oh, she's great," she said. "Great. Good baby, 10 out of 10, so far."

Prince William is especially angry over attacks against his wife, Princess Kate—and not just for the obvious reason. As any husband would be, William is upset about damaging accusations leveled against his wife (specifically in the Dutch translation of Omid Scobie’s Endgame) as well as criticism over her work ethic (leveled in Endgame) and his brother Prince Harry’s comments about her in Spare, Harry’s memoir released almost one year ago exactly. Anyone who loves someone—as William loves Kate, his partner of over 20 years—would be upset at any disparaging words said about them. 

But it apparently goes even deeper than that. The Mirror reports that critiques of Kate—especially ones as harmful as Endgame’s—break a promise William once made to Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton. As Kate merged from being a private citizen to marrying into the royal family in 2011, William promised the Middletons he would look out for and protect their daughter—and, a royal expert said, he feels angry and guilty over the unflattering portrayals of her as of late, feeling that because of them he hasn’t kept his word to her parents.

“William feels guilty and angry because he promised Kate’s parents that he would protect and look after her,” former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said. “The attacks from Omid Scobie were vicious, so William will feel guilty because all she’s done is fall in love with someone who happened to be a future king. There’s obviously a lot of baggage that comes with this—it’s a unique and different life which you’ve got to have a very thick skin for.”

That said, though William may feel responsible and to blame in some capacity for bringing Kate into this, Bond said Kate is resilient and can handle it. “Kate has demonstrated that she’s the real deal and William constantly shows that he’s hugely proud of her,” Bond said. “Kate’s strength is drawn from the fact that she was given such a long apprenticeship—those nine or 10 years [that they were together before marriage] that she was allowed to see a little bit of what life would be like in the royal court were completely invaluable.”

Together for over two decades, body language expert Darren Stanton said their bond is closer than ever: “William and Kate are a very strong couple, and their relationship has continued to evolve and grow even stronger over the years,” he said, per The Mirror. “They started off as independent students who found true love. They were sweethearts, and we still see that side to them now. An important thing I have seen over the years is that both their levels of confidence and independence—in public and private—has really developed. We have never seen senior members of the royal family be so affectionate with one another in the public eye. If we look back at photographs of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, we would never have seen them holding hands or being tactile with each other.”

William and Kate’s public displays of affection have increased within the past year, and “This shows how in tune William and Kate are with each other on an emotional level,” said Stanton, speaking on behalf of Betfair Bingo. “They’re also not afraid to be open and honest through their body gestures about how they feel. They’ve really broken the mold and there’s a level of humor, playfulness, and mischievousness to them when they want to be—which is really refreshing to see.”

Even before part two of season six of Netflix’s The Crown dropped on December 14, Marie Claire reported that it was always a part of Carole Middleton’s plans for her eldest daughter, Kate, to attend the University of St. Andrews and meet Prince William. Part two of the show’s final season depicts as much, with Carole pulling strings with her daughter to get her to be right in the line of sight of the future king. Obviously, the plan worked—William and Kate have been together for 20 years, half of their lives.

And, OK reports, Kate didn’t resist her mother’s grand idea, royal historian Clare McHugh said. “What is interesting to me is that The Crown did not shy away from showing Carole as insistent that Kate kept going,” McHugh said. “I think the only part where they faltered was when they had Kate resisting a bit.” 

Kate was originally slated to attend the University of Edinburgh—her dream school—but rerouted her plans to attend the University of St. Andrews when it was announced that William had chosen that school to attend. She also took an unexpected gap year, just as William did (except his was planned), to line herself up perfectly with the prince. But it wasn’t just Carole who was committed to Kate snagging William, McHugh said: “The two of them were as one all along,” she said.

On The Crown, Kate is seen pushing back at Carole’s desire for her to date William, “but historical accounts don’t align with the adaptation,” OK reports. In an episode of the show, the character of Kate Middleton says to Carole Middleton “If that’s okay with you, because you’ve always had your sights on someone else for me [meaning William].”

McHugh said she was “quite sure” that “psychologically, Kate did not resist. They decided together.”

In her biography Kate: The Future Queen, royal expert Katie Nicholl wrote that “It seemed every girl in America wanted to come to St. Andrews to search out the prince. Kate would have read the papers. She would have known that William was going and that there was every chance they could be in the same program at the same time if she got a place to study there.”

Although William and Kate officially met when first-year college students, Nicholl writes that they had a chance encounter years before (though not the one depicted in The Crown, where Carole and Kate meet Princess Diana and William).  

“Prince William, a left back on Ludgrove’s Colts team, came to St. Andrew’s [Kate’s prep school in Berkshire] to play a hockey match when he was nine years old,” Nicholl wrote. “William, like Kate, loved sports and was one of the best hockey and rugby players in his year. Of course, the arrival of the prince generated a flurry of excitement. It was the first time Kate had set her eyes on the young prince, but certainly not the last.”

Those close to Kate told Nicholl that, in fact, the connection between the current Prince and Princess of Wales might have actually started far earlier than has been thought to be true: “[Kate’s friends] said ‘Uh-uh, she didn’t meet him at [the University of] St. Andrews, she met him before she got there, while she was at school during her sixth form through some of her friends,’” Nicholl said in an interview. “‘They knew Prince William and Prince Harry, so there wasn’t any meeting.’ And that, for me, it changed everything.”

We know you’ve never heard of this book—it has gotten basically no press attention after all (high-key sarcasm)—but in Omid Scobie’s Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy’s Fight for Survival (out yesterday), among a bazillion other royal revelations is that Carole Middleton (allegedly) actively “planned for Princess Kate to rise to the top and win [Prince] William.” 

(You knew this, but) Carole is the mother of the former Kate Middleton, the eldest child of the three Middleton siblings. (Pippa is two years younger than Kate, and James is five years Kate’s junior.) According to the book, Carole knew that Kate was capable of rising to the top of Britain’s social ladder, all the way to the highest echelon, Scobie claims. (Well, if nothing else—she was right.) All Carole had to do was make sure Kate was in the right place at the right time and that, when that happened, she knew how to carry herself properly, and the rest would work itself out.

William and Kate met as first-year students at the University of St. Andrews in 2001, “but their relationship was not down to mere chance,” The Daily Express reports. “Kate had been prepped and positioned to maximize her chances of wooing the future King.” 

The Middletons were upper middle class; certainly wealthy, as Carole’s business, Party Pieces, had proven lucrative. But they were not amongst aristocracy, and “As two caring parents who worked hard, made their mint, and climbed the social ladder (no small feat in a country still obsessed with class), the Middletons—mostly Carole—saw that the pretty and grounded Kate was ready to carry the family name further to the top,” Scobie writes in Endgame. “So they began orchestrating her life, ensuring she was at the right places at the right time and spoke the right way. Kensington Palace has never denied that Kate had several rounds of elocution lessons as she became more serious with William…The Middleton strategy involved more than just aristocratic affectation—Carole calculatingly placed Kate right at the center of young Prince William’s world.”

Apparently, Kate originally had her heart set on attending the University of Edinburgh, but it was Carole who pushed Kate to change course: “When Carole learned that Prince William was slated to attend the University of St. Andrews, she encouraged her daughter to turn down a spot at her dream school, the University of Edinburgh, take a gap year to study abroad in Florence, and enroll at St. Andrews the following year,” Scobie writes, presenting the situation as expertly choreographed. “Carole set things up, and Kate took it the rest of the way.”

That said, despite the “quasi-contrived nature” of William and Kate’s initial meeting, Scobie admits that the Prince and Princess of Wales’ affection for each other was and is genuine. He also made mention of the fact that, as they were falling in love, William didn’t just fall for Kate—he fell for the entire Middleton family of five and their pace of life in rural Berkshire.

“William took to the cozy Middleton enclave in a village where time seemed to stand still,” Scobie writes. “The echoing bells of the sixteenth-century parish, the clink of glasses and last call at the traditional Bladebone Inn, and the low lights and trailing chimney smoke from thatched-roof houses all proved irresistible for a young man used to gated entries, long corridors, and private secretaries. He also fell for the Middleton family. Although less frequent these days, William has always looked forward to Sunday roasts at their house and helping load the dishwasher at the end of it. They live in comfort, but it’s down-to-earth, snug, and congenial compared to the decorous, hushed rooms at the cavernous royal residences he grew up in. The wellies-by-the-back-door and home cooked meals of it was an environment that both he and Kate have continually tried to re-create for their own children.”

Carole Middleton and Pippa Middleton Matthews—the mother and sister of the Princess of Wales, respectively—may not technically be royalty, but they are certainly royal adjacent. Like Kate, Carole and Pippa are tennis aficionados and regular attendees at Wimbledon, where, as The Mirror reports, “an unfortunate incident once saw the pair denied seats in the prestigious Centre Court Royal Box.”

With Wimbledon kicking off today (expect to see Kate—who is patron of the All England Club—attend at some point), let’s go back to 2017, when Carole and Pippa were denied access to the royal box, all because of a glitch.

“In 2017, the mother and daughter were relegated to standard seats for Andy Murray’s fourth-round tie against Benoit Paire,” the outlet reports. Why did this happen? Hello reports that the two “arrived too late for the match, and strict rules at the All England Club mean later comers cannot be admitted to the box.”

That said, Carole and Pippa didn’t seem to mind, as they “looked delighted as they watched Murray advance to that year’s quarter-finals in straight sets,” The Mirror writes. 

And that’s not the only Wimbledon faux pas by the Middletons, apparently: Kate once revealed she was left “mortified” after her father, Michael, was involved in an embarrassing mix up. Kate revealed the story in a 2017 BBC documentary called “Our Wimbledon,” where she told host Sue Barker that “her dad tried to play it cool in front of the former British No. 1 tennis player Tim Henman,” The Mirror reports.

“My father is not going to appreciate this, but we were walking past Tim Henman and we had just seen [Pete] Sampras play,” Kate said. “My dad said, very coolly, ‘Hi Pete.’ I was mortified!”

Last year, the world saw a sweet moment between Kate and her parents when Kate was spotted blowing a kiss in her parents’ direction, her face lighting up when she spotted them in their seats.

Twinning alert! Carole Middleton was spotted at the Royal Ascot horse races wearing daughter Kate Middleton's pink dress (or at the very least the exact same model).

The dress is a calf-length shirt-dress in THE summer 2022 color, Barbie pink (I've been waiting my whole life for fashion to catch up with me on that, tbh). It's two-toned, with the flashy color at the front, and a slightly more subdued bubblegum pink on the sides. It also features a belt in the brighter pink shade. The dress is by ME+EM, but is sadly sold out.

Carole paired this statement piece with a lacy black fascinator and a simple black clutch, while husband Michael wore morning dress and a top hat.

The Duchess of Cambridge, as for her, wore this dress to meet young cancer patient Mila Sneddon in 2021.

Mila was photographed as part of the "Hold Still" photo project as she dealt with leukemia and had to shield from family members. The duchess spoke to the little girl on the phone during the pandemic and found out her favorite color was pink.

"I'll have to make sure I try and find a pink dress," she told Mila at the time. "Hopefully when, one day, hopefully, Mila, we'll get to meet and then I'll remember to wear my pink dress for you."

Happily, Kate got to meet Mila in person in Scotland in May 2021, and of course opted for this ME+EM number, while the girl, who was five at the time, wore a princess dress and tiara.

The duchess got to see Mila again at her carol service last December, and also sent her a message of congratulations on beating cancer earlier this year.

Carole Middleton, famous Aquarius, was born on Jan. 31. Unfortunately, whoever runs her Party Pieces Instagram got the wrong end of the stick and posted a birthday message for her on Jan. 30. Having quickly realized their mistake, the photo was deleted and reposted on the correct day, as reported by Hello!

This is good news for those of us who are always down for a brand new photo of a lil bb Kate Middleton. The pic in question, a black-and-white stunner, features a grinning (and beautiful) younger Carole, flanked by four kids—three of them are (presumably, although I can't tell who is who) little Kate, Pippa and James. The children are wearing party hats and blowing party horns.

"Happiest of Birthdays to the party planner extraordinaire! We hope you have the most magical day," the caption reads.

It's not the first time we have been treated to a previously unseen photo of the Duchess of Cambridge as a young girl. For Father's Day in 2020, the Cambridges released a photo of a much blonder kid Catherine with her dad Michael. And in 2018, Prince William sweetly recreated a photo from his wife's childhood in Jordan.

And of course these days, royal fans love to see a brand new photo of the Cambridges' three adorable kids, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte. See here for the little princess on her sixth birthday and here as she holds a butterfly. And here is her older brother celebrating his eighth birthday, and her younger brother celebrating his third. You are most welcome.

When The Crown returns for season three, a lot will be different. The Netflix drama about the lives of the British royal family will move forward with new characters and a new decade. Here's everything we know so far about the show's third season.

Release Date

Nearly a full year after the second season of the hit series, Netflix announced that season three of The Crown will be available for streaming on November 17.

A Full Trailer

It's finally here, and it absolutely does not disappoint: We have a full trailer for season 3. Olivia Colman brings a somber note to the performance, much like Claire Foy did in seasons 1 and 2, and seems to feel little more secure than when she was younger thanks to some real-world drama. But her relationship with Philip seems to have improved (hello, Tobias Menzies, who still looks hot in a blonde, balding wig), even if the one with her sister Margaret (Helena Bonham Carter) hasn't, really.

Oh, and this season is going to be Charles-heavy, thanks to his figurative twin, actor John O'Connor. We see a glimpse of Camilla Parker Bowles (Emerald Fennell) but no Diana yet. Don't worry, she's coming, but only towards the end of the season. It promises to be as crazy, if not more, than Margaret's drama with Peter Townsend.

Historical Background

The show's uncanny ability to mirror real life has been proven yet again, thanks to an early photo of Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher. It has everything: The bouffant wig, the jewel-bright colors and conservative dress, the look of calm with the wheels turning in her head. Anderson looks SO similar in costume, I can barely believe it.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the real-life events that will serve as the backdrop to the royals' lives are representative of the tumultuous time in the '60s and '70s (fans will be able to relate to what's currently going on in 2019, I bet):

The notable historical subjects covered in season 3 of The Crown include the 1964 discovery that the Queen’s art adviser Anthony Blunt was a Soviet spy, and Labour leader Harold Wilson’s rise to prime minister that same year. The show will also detail the 1966 Aberfan disaster, when an avalanche of coal waste buried a school in Wales. “I had never heard of it, which breaks my heart slightly,” [Olivia] Colman says of the event, which claimed the lives of 144 people, mostly children.

As for the intra-family issues explored, [screenwriter Peter] Morgan says the show will deal less than previous seasons have with the marriage of Elizabeth and Philip—which he believes became more settled in the ’60s after the early years of turmoil. Instead, the upcoming episodes will detail the breakdown of the union between Margaret and her photographer husband, Lord “Tony” Snowdon (Ben Daniels).

The real-life inspiration will also include Prince Philip's mother, Princess Alice, who had a traumatic history and evolving relationship with her son throughout the course of their lives. We'll also see the introduction of Princess Diana, and thus far the pictures have been so accurate, it's scary:

There's a LOT here to dive into, and I can't wait.

Behind the Scenes

Also from EW, we got some behind-the-scenes details and video of the new cast members on the third season. It looks like it was a blast to shoot, and the actors enjoyed playing their iconic characters. Particularly fun to play were Princess Margaret (Helena Bonham Carter, national treasure) and Lord Tony Snowdon (Ben Daniels, whom you might recognize from House of Cards). Especially because it was an incredibly passionate relationship that led to an absolutely scandalous divorce for the royal family.

"They’re such extraordinary people," Daniels said. "Completely addicted to each other. Even right up until the minute they were getting divorced, they still had a really strong physical relationship. People often said that it was like foreplay for them, having a big row. They would have these huge rows and then amazing sex."

Cast

The biggest news surrounding The Crown's third season is definitely the cast. Fans have known for a long time that the plan was to recast the roles as the characters aged, but there's been rabid speculation about who would play the parts and how they could possibly compare against the iconic Claire Foy and Matt Smith.

"After two seasons, that's it, I'm gone," Foy, who played Queen Elizabeth in the first two seasons, told Vulture in 2016. "They're getting rid of all of us. I don't [know] how they're planning on doing it, but they're such an incredible bunch of directors and producers that it's gonna be different and exciting." Now, the time has come to recast. Here are the actors taking over the main roles on The Crown:

Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth

Broadchurch star Olivia Colman is set to replace Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth in season three. Netflix took to Twitter in July to release the first photo of Colman in character. Early reports are that she is amazing in the role (no surprise, since she's, you know, an Oscar winner).

Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret

Helena Bonham Carter will replace Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret. "I'm not sure which I'm more terrified about—doing justice to the real Princess Margaret or following in the shoes of Vanessa Kirby's Princess Margaret," Bonham Carter said when she announced her role. Just days after the first photo of Colman as Queen Elizabeth was released,Netflix dropped a glimpse of Bonham Carter in character.

Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip

Early reports had Paul Bettany in discussions for the role, but he has since bowed out, and been replaced by Tobias Menzies. Menzies is famous for his roles on Outlander and Game of Thrones (in case you've been asking yourself, Wait, where do I know that guy from??), and his casting as Prince Philip is sure to have fans excited. Netflix confirmed his casting in March 2018—and he's apparently had to spend a good amount of time in the makeup chair to achieve the exact look.

But Menzies won't get any tips from Matt Smith, who played Prince Philip in the first two seasons. "I wouldn’t give them any advice just like I didn’t give Peter Capaldi advice [when he took over as Doctor Who]," Smith told Newsweek. "They’ll find someone brilliant who’ll approach it with their own thought processes and personality."

Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles

Netflix announced in late July that Josh O'Connor will be playing Prince Charles in season three. "Seasons three and four will follow some of the most turbulent events in the Prince of Wales' life and our national story and I'm excited...I'm reliably informed I have the ears for the part and will fit right in," O'Connor said of the news.

Marion Bailey as the Queen Mother

Marion Bailey is set to play Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. "We have a tough act to follow but what a gift to be playing the fascinating and greatly loved Queen Mother," she announced on Twitter.

Erin Doherty as Princess Anne

Alongside the casting announcements of Prince Charles and the Queen Mother, Netflix confirmed in July that Erin Doherty will play the role of Princess Anne. "To be a part of the crown feels both ridiculously special and surreal. There is such a rare dynamic within Princess Anne that I am incredibly grateful to be able to explore," she explained.

Emerald Fennell as Camilla Shand

On October 23, Netflix revealed that Emerald Fennell (Call the Midwife) will appear in The Crown's third season as Camilla Shand, the future Duchess of Cornwall. Fennell approached the announcement with a sense of humor, and a dig on a hairstyle:

If you're wondering why you recognize the name, Fennell was the showrunner for season 2 of Killing Eve. So get ready for her to be a household name. 

Emma Corrin as Lady Diana Spencer

Emma Corrin will also be making an appearance in this season of the royal drama as a young Lady Diana Spencer. Netflix announced that the dramatic Prince Charles/Princess Diana/Camilla saga will take shape within the fourth season of The Crown.

Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher

Following in the footsteps of Meryl Streep, Gillian Anderson is set to take on the role of the formidable Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. The 50-year-old actress’ has previously appeared in huge hits like The X-Files and The Fall or, more recently, Sex Education. The Iron Lady didn't rise to power as Britain's first female PM until 1979 but, according to the Sunday Times, will appear in the third and fourth season of The Crown.

On October 15, Netflix released a new, dramatic character poster featuring Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies, and Josh O'Connor. The tag line: "Times change. Duty endures."

Plot

Season two left off with the birth of Prince Edward in 1964. The Crown's third season will cover at least the years 1964 to 1976, according to Variety. The Sunday Times reports that the third season will take place in "the Wilson era"—meaning Harold Wilson's time as prime minister, from 1964 to 1970 and then again from 1974 to 1976. Season three will also cover Princess Margaret's divorce from the Earl of Snowdon.

"We’re now writing season three," The Crown's history consultant Robert Lacey told Town & Country in Decemeber 2017. "And in season three, without giving anything away—it’s on the record, it’s history—we’ll see the breakup of this extraordinary marriage between Margaret and Snowdon. [In the second season], you see how it starts, and what a strange character, a brilliant character Snowden was."

As for Charles and Diana, don't expect to meet the late Princess of Wales early in the season—she'll reportedly make her debut at the end of season three and play a big part in season four. Since Charles and Diana didn't meet until 1977, if reports about Diana debuting at the end of the season are true, the show will extend past the Wilson Era.

On September 20, Netflix released the first teaser trailer for the new season, which appropriately begins with Colman as Elizabeth looking at an old stamp featuring Claire Foy's portrayal of the monarch and remarking on change. Check it out below:

Filming

As of July, the third season is officially in production and is expected to premiere in 2019. Seasons three and four will be filmed back-to-back, which will hopefully make for a shorter wait for season four. "We're doing them back-to-back. I’m writing them all at the moment," showrunner Peter Morgan shared during a BAFTA Masterclass in February.

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Pippa Middleton is back at Wimbledon for the third day in a row.

After stepping out for the tennis championships on Friday and Saturday, Pippa completed her Wimbledon weekend at the Men's Finals on Sunday. Pippa's sister, Kate Middleton, also attended the Men's Finals on Sunday, alongside her husband, Prince William. Pippa did not join Will and Kate in the Royal Box, however, and instead sat in the stands with her mom, Carole Middleton.

Pippa has been joined by different guests at Wimbledon every day this weekend. On Friday, she was accompanied by her husband, James Matthews, and on Saturday, she had a very high-profile day with her sister, Kate, and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.

There have been a few constants all weekend, of course. For one thing, Pippa has looked absolutely incredible all three days. For another, all three of those incredible looks included very summery, floral dresses.

Here's Pippa's Friday look, a yellow, sunflower-printed wrap dress by Ganni:

Pippa's Ganni dress is still available and retails for $205:

Here's Pippa's Saturday look, a blue and white floral dress:

According to @KateMCambridge, Pippa's dress is a made-to-order Anna Mason design.

And finally, here's Pippa's Sunday look, a gorgeous, pink floral dress from Norwegian label byTiMo:

Pippa was joined by her mother, Carole, who looked amazing in a blue and white patterned dress:

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"Duchess of Recycled Style" isn't a real title, but if it were, it would almost certainly go to Kate Middleton. The Duchess of Cambridge is known for publicly rewearing looks and she appears to have pulled off her signature style move once again, this time for her mother, Carole Middleton's, 64th birthday party.

Kate was snapped on her way to the celebration at Pippa Middleton's £20 million home in Chelsea. In photos (which The Mirror has, if you want to put eyes on them yourself—which, obviously, you do), Kate is seen wearing a long, flowy red maxi dress. She paired the red dress with a pair of matching, pointed-toe heels, stunning statement earrings, a long black coat, and a shopping bag full of gifts, presumably for the birthday girl.

While it's hard to get a good look at the dress under the coat, Kate Middleton superfans around the internet were quick to help ID the gown. In a now-deleted tweet, Kate fan account @TeaCambridges speculated that it could be the red Alexander McQueen gown the Duchess wore in Berlin during her official visit to Poland and Germany in July 2017.

Here's a full-length look at Kate in the dress in 2017, for reference:

If it is the same Alexander McQueen dress, it's very appropriate. Why? Well, because the first time Kate wore that dress was for another relative's birthday celebration—her grandmother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth. Yep, even though she was in Germany when she sported the look, Kate was paying homage to her famous in-law at the Queen's Birthday Party at the British Ambassadorial Residence.

According to another Kate fan account, @MiddletonMaven, Kate's coat is from Ida Sjöstedt and the red crystal earrings are Simone Rocha and still in stock, if you have $295 burning a hole in your pocket.

SHOP IT

Honestly, whether it's a rewear or a new lewk, the takeaway is that Kate has nailed her fashion game yet again.

In case you forgot, Prince George and Princess Charlotte have two grandmothers. The royal children frequently spend time with Kate Middleton's mother, Carole Middleton, and for the first time ever Middleton opened up to The Telegraph about her surprisingly normal life (you know, when you forget that your daughter will be the Queen someday).

In the interview, Middleton says "it’s proved wise not to say anything" over the years in regards to herself and her family, but one topic she did not shy away from is her love for her grandchildren and—wait for it—Christmas trees. Middleton, 63, says she likes to have as many Christmas trees as possible in her house, including one in her grandchildren’s rooms, "so that they can decorate it themselves."

So yes, George and Charlotte have their own Christmas trees. How do you do Christmas?

When the Cambridges aren't at Grandma Middleton's decorating their own trees, they're known to spend time at the Queen's Sandringham estate. This year, Harry and Meghan are expected to celebrate Christmas with Kate, Will, and the royal children despite recent rumors of a fallout between the couples.

The real question, though: How many Christmas trees does Gan Gan have in her castle?

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