'The Queenmaker' - How Kate's mother Carole Middleton helped secure daughter's place in the royal family as she turns 70
Carole is celebrating her 70th birthday on January 31Carole Middleton, the mother of Kate, Princess of Wales, is celebrating her 70th birthday today (January 31).
Parents Carole and her husband Michael Middleton, 75, welcomed Kate on January 9, 1982. They also share daughter Pippa, 41, and son James, 37.
But how has Carole Middleton supported her eldest daughter Kate in becoming a future queen? Let’s take a look at the role she’s played in her daughter’s life within the monarchy.
Kate’s mother Carole Middleton helped secure her place in the royal family ‘in her own way’
As Carole celebrates turning 70 on January 31, we’re looking at how she’s been dedicated to her daughter’s role within the monarchy.
Kate married into the royal family in April 2011, when she tied the knot with Prince William. The couple are now the Prince and Princess of Wales and have three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
Nobody ever really expects their daughter to marry the future king so Carole’s had to do it her own way.
They are also the future king and queen, with William being the current heir to the throne.
But how has Carole helped Kate through all these years? A former royal butler has said Carole has been there “every step of the way” despite the “daunting task” of Kate marrying into royalty.
Carole Middleton ‘supported her daughter through all the good and bad’
Speaking to Royal Insider on behalf of JeffBet, Grant Harrold said: “There are different variations of how Kate met William and if you watch The Crown, it’s claimed that Carole sent Kate to St Andrews in the hope of marrying William.
“But whatever happened, she has supported her daughter through everything and all the good and bad things that have happened including in her relationship with William.
“She has been there every step of the way, just like any mum would, but probably even more so because Kate was joining the royal family, which is a daunting task and Carole has given her the stability and love to be able to deal with that.”
Kate Middleton’s parents ‘would have done anything to help’ her adjust
Meanwhile, Grant – who was a former butler to King Charles – said that parents Carole and Michael Middleton brought up Kate and her siblings “very well”.
He continued: “Nobody ever really expects their daughter to marry the future king so Carole’s had to do it her own way. But Kate’s been brought up very well and had a lot of love and her parents clearly adore her. So they would’ve done anything to help her adjust to her new life.
Who is Kate, Princess of Wales?
Kate was born on January 9, 1982, making her 43 years old. She was born to Michael and Carole Middleton in Berkshire.
Kate married into the royal family in April 2011.
What did Kate, Princess of Wales do before marrying Prince William?
Before their 2011 wedding, Kate and William had dated for many years after meeting at St Andrews University in Scotland.
After graduating, Kate worked in retail and for her family's business, Party Pieces.
Tying the knot with Prince William
On April 29, 2011, William and Kate married at Westminster Abbey. It was branded the "wedding of the century" with millions watching the nuptials worldwide.
Kate then became a respected and favourite member within the monarchy as she began performing duties alongside her husband.
The couple have three children - Prince George, born in July 2013, Princess Charlotte, born in May 2015, and Prince Louis, who they welcomed in April 2018.
The family currently live at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park just east of Windsor Castle. Their eldest, son George, is currently second in line to the throne behind his grandfather King Charles and dad Prince William.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, William and Kate became the Prince and Princess of Wales - a title previously held by William's late mother Princess Diana.
When William becomes monarch one day, Kate will become Queen Consort.
Kate's cancer diagnosis
Kate faced one of her most challenging years in 2024 after her cancer diagnosis. She announced the news publicly in March of that year. She underwent treatment and announced the end of that in September 2024.
Then, in January 2025, the Princess of Wales announced she was in remission with her cancer and would slowly return to her royal duties.
“Plus Carole and Michael have a very strong marriage themselves. Kate would know how she wants her marriage to work. The role is something that Kate has lent herself to and has had support from other women in the royal family as well as William and Charles.”
Grant said Carole is a person that Kate can always rely on. He also said Kate has “inherited her polite manners” from her parents.
Read more: Princess Kate follows in Diana’s footsteps as she becomes patron of children’s hospice
He said this has helped the Princess of Wales become “such a well-loved member of the family”.
Happy 70th birthday, Carole!
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