Over the years, the Duchess of Cambridge's mother, Carole Middleton, has maintained a dignfied silence in the media - opting never to talk about her very famous daughter and son-in-law.
But now, the Middleton matriarch has taken part in her first ever interview, discussing her business, Party Pieces, her home life in Bucklebury, Berkshire, and being part of one of the most well-known families in the world.
Speaking in The Telegraph, Prince William’s mother-in-law spoke sweetly about her family – but admitted that as her children grew up and forged their own paths, she had her concerns.
Her comment could well be a reference to Catherine’s entrance into the royal family – famously, a difficult path to tread.
Carole confessed, “My biggest fear [as they grew up] was that I’d lose my family, but we’ve stayed close. There are times when they say, ‘Can you do this, or that?’ and I can’t quite. But they like the fact that I work.”
She also went on to praise both William, and Pippa Middleton’s new husband, James Matthews – and even hinted at her hope for her only son, James, to marry.
Carole said, “I have two lovely sons-in-law and I hope I’ll have a lovely daughter-in-law.”
During the interview, Carole also confessed that after she was thrust into the spotlight, along with her whole family, she made sure to read stories about herself to keep on top what was being said. But now, she’s stated that she’s stopped doing it – as it makes no difference.
She admitted, “Well, I thought it was better to know what people thought. But it doesn’t make any difference. I’m not really sure how I’m perceived now. But the thing is… it is really normal – most of the time.”
The 63-year-old also revealed that she is still very hands-on with her family, namely with her grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Pippa’s new arrival, Arthur.
And while she acknowledges that her family events can sometimes be a little out of the ordinary, they’re all just normal to her.
Carole said, “I love it. I’m definitely hands-on. I don’t find it complicated.
“I have two other children and grandchildren and my job, and I lead a lot of my life round here, where I’ve lived for years and people knew me before Catherine’s… impact. It isn’t normal maybe to go to Louis’ christening or Catherine’s wedding, but, in the end, they’re all family events.”
The mum-of-three and businesswoman also spoke briefly about her daughter Catherine’s royal wedding back in 2011, revealing that she was very much involved in the planning.
Carole revealed, “We talked about music… everything. I was involved lots with both Pip’s and Catherine’s weddings.
“But I think the most important thing, as a parent, is to listen to what your daughter wants. You can have all the ideas in the world, but it has to be about them. And don’t muscle in on the guest list.” Wise words Carole…
