Princess Kate‘s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, reportedly left a good impression on the late Queen Elizabeth II.
According to an October 12 report by Hello!, the late monarch — who died in September 2022 at the age of 96 — acknowledged how the Princess of Wales’ parents embraced Prince William into their close-knit family.
Ailsa Anderson, Elizabeth’s former press secretary, shared insight into the late monarch’s views on the Middletons.
“The queen always wanted her children and grandchildren to be happy, and she recognized what a huge support Carole and Michael Middleton were to William and how they welcomed him with open arms into their family,” she told the outlet.
Anderson noted that the queen “clearly saw all the qualities” of Carole, 71, and Michael, 77, adding that she appreciated everything they’ve done for William, 44, and Kate, 44.
“She had three out of her four children divorce, so I think she liked the fact that her grandson was marrying into a really close family who have stuck together through thick and thin,” Anderson explained.
Meanwhile, royal historian and The Crown consultant Robert Lacey told People that a 2016 photo of Carole being chauffeured by the queen herself reflected the monarch’s fondness for the Middleton family.
“This clearly shows that the queen is signaling her pleasure…” Lacey added. “We have the grandest monarchy in the world embracing right into its heart a family of humble origins.”
Following Kate’s cancer diagnosis in March 2024, Carole reportedly stepped up in supporting her family.
“[Carole] took over helping with the children and the school and the cooking and making food for William and looking after him, too,” royal author Ingrid Seward told Hello! “I think she’s a very strong and determined person.”
As William and Kate continue to navigate life as senior royals, Carole is expected to remain a steady source of support for them.
“I think she will stay in the background and come forward when wanted, rather than pushing herself forward,” Seward continued. “She may not ever hold the title of Queen Mother, but in the future, she will be the queen’s mother. And she will be there to help her daughter and the family all the way.”
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