Kate Middleton’s Parents Are Loving Grandparents And ‘Very Close’ To The Wales Family

Oct 04, 2022

The parents of Kate Middleton have become more than just in-laws to Prince William — they have become his second family, supporting him and Kate every step of the way. In fact, Carole and Michael Middleton have been there for Kate and William in every milestone of their married life. But the best part about their presence in the lives of the royal couple? Them being doting grandparents to their adorable grandchildren.

For the longest time, various speculations have surrounded the Princess of Wales’ family background. While it's been said that Kate came from a middle-class family, her parents are actually self-made millionaires — not to mention her father having aristocratic ties and her mom being a distant cousin of the Queen Mother, according to Town and Country. Regardless of her background, one thing is for sure: it’s that Kate's parents raised her well as evidenced by her humility.

Since Kate and William got married, royal fans have loved keeping up with the Middleton family. From the public's interest in Kate's sister Pippa Middleton, after she was the maid of honor at her wedding, to the popularity of Michael and Carole's business, Party Pieces, the Middletons are no stranger to the public and the press.

In 2012, Carole and Michael purchased a new home that reportedly cost £4.7million (approximately $5.3 million). Naturally, there was interest in the Middleton's home, and eventually, in 2020, a video posted by Kate's brother, James Middleton, granted the public a rare glimpse into the Bucklebury, Berkshire abode. The video included a short appearance from both Carole and Michael. The world had been eager for a sneak peek and finally, they got a look behind the curtain. 

Kate's brother, James, shared the video that he filmed in the garden of his parents' family home in Bucklebury. In the video, James shaved off his beard in order to surprise his now-wife, Alizee, as she had never seen him without a beard before, and since their wedding approached he figured it was about time.

When he was done shaving, James walked over to his then-fiancée and surprised her with his new look as she enjoyed a glass of wine on the family’s beautiful garden terrace with James’ parents. 

While James filmed Alizee’s reaction, he panned the camera and allowed people a rare look at the outside of the family’s home, as it unveiled bunting hanging on the wall. A glimpse at the Middleton’s garden outside revealed neatly trimmed hedges and lots of flowers everywhere. Although his video did not show the inside of the family home, it was nonetheless a small glimpse into the Middleton's elegant estate.

As reported by Hello Magazine, the beautiful manor has seven bedrooms and sits on 18 acres of land. The home also has two living rooms, a drawing room, a library and two log fireplaces. Aside from the inside of the home, the family and guests get to enjoy a tennis court and pool as well. Carole shared with the publication that the kitchen is her favorite part of the house. 

The gorgeous home often hosts friends and family. In fact, William and Kate even spent the first few weeks of Prince George's life at the family home. 

Not only have members of the royal family stayed at the beautiful brick manor, but so have Kate’s siblings. During the global pandemic, James and his then-fiance, Alizee, stayed with his parents, long term. During that time, the Middletons often video-called with the royal family and their three grandchildren. 

In an interview with BBC Breakfast, Kate shared that the family looks forward to always staying connected. The royal grandchildren loved chatting with their family on a regular basis when they couldn’t see them in person. 

Speaking directly to William in the interview, Kate said: “I think your father (King Charles III) and my parents and our families and things like that have really loved keeping in touch with the children because it’s really hard. It gets a bit hectic, I am not going to lie, with a (nearly) two-year-old."

Aside from video calling to stay in contact, the Middleton family also looks forward to their holiday season together. Carole shared that she especially looks forward to having her family in the Bucklebury manor. The grandmother shared that she adores having the family together during Christmas because of the magic that fills the house. In an interview with The Telegraph in 2018, she shared that each grandchild gets a Christmas tree in their room “so that they can decorate it themselves,” she shared. She also shared that the home has been one of the best moves yet. 

Since the Wales family announced they will be making Adelaide Cottage their main residence, they are also very close to the Middleton’s brick manor. The family moved out of London and into Windsor to give their children an upbringing that they can’t get at Kensington Palace. 

“This has been driven by what William and Kate want for their children and they have always been resolved to try and have a normal family life,” a royal source told ABC News. “This move puts them much closer to the Middletons and Kate is very close to her family.” 

According to the Daily Mail, Kate's parents have attended numerous royal family events, however, it's unclear how many times they met the late Queen Elizabeth II. In January 2021, the queen invited Kate’s parents to have lunch at Windsor Castle as per Express. They have since become a part of the royal family just as much as they have been a part of their grandchildren’s lives. In June 2022, Michael and Carole were in attendance at the palace for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and it was perhaps the last time they saw the queen alive. 

The couple even paid their respects to the queen by attending the state funeral at Westminster Abbey and the committal service at St George's Chapel in Windsor. But what made their presence even more heartfelt was their support for their daughter Kate and their grandchildren during a time of grief following the loss of someone that had welcomed and accepted their family into the royal fold. 

Speculation about whether or not Kate’s parents will receive titles of their own has been talked about since she got married to Prince William. Should they be given titles, these would be known as “peerages” or aristocratic titles bestowed upon by monarchs, according to British royal expert Marlene Koenig who spoke about it to Woman & Home. 

In the end, titles don’t matter. Just by being hands-on grandparents, Carole and Michael prove they are just fine cheering for their daughter and grandchildren on the sidelines. 

What are your thoughts on Kate Middleton's family, especially her parents Carole and Michael Middleton? How do you feel about them being doting grandparents to the Wales children? Let us know your thoughts and pass this on to anyone who might love to read this story!