How Carole Middleton’s eye for ‘perfection’ prepared Kate Middleton for her royal role
Carole Middleton is said to have encouraged the Duchess of Cambridge to learn a huge range of skills early on in life.


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Carole Middleton reportedly brought her daughter Kate Middleton up to “do everything to perfection” which likely helped prepare her for her future royal role.
- A royal expert has claimed Carole Middleton’s eye for “perfection” helped her daughter Kate Middleton become accomplished at a range of skills.
- It’s thought this approach could have proved useful when it came to the Duchess of Cambridge adjusting to life in the Royal Family.
- This royal news comes as it’s revealed Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's 'diaries free' for Queen's Jubilee as they prep for a big return to the UK.
Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge consistently delights fans with her gentle warmth and accomplished approach to royal life. Ever since she officially joined the Royal Family in 2011 upon her marriage to the Queen’s grandchild, Prince William, Kate has showcased her ability to turn her hand to anything. Just last month, she hosted the Together at Christmas carol concert and Kate Middleton’s piano performance was a hit with excited viewers.
Whilst her talents on the piano might not have previously been known to fans, this isn’t the first time the Duchess has showcased an impressive skill. Over the summer of 2021 during their family vacation, it’s said Kate taught Prince George and Princess Charlotte to sail.
Now royal expert Ingrid Seward has suggested that Kate Middleton’s extensive skill set could be traced back to her mother Carole Middleton’s parenting approach.
Opening up to The Mirror, Ingrid claimed that the now-Duchess of Cambridge was raised to do everything “to perfection”—something that has likely proved useful throughout her time in the royal spotlight.
“Kate is a product of her mother, she was brought up to do everything to perfection,” the expert alleged, before going on to reveal just how many activities the Duchess has become accomplished at as a result of Carole’s “encouragement”.
Ingrid continued, “She learnt to sail as a young girl and rock climb and ski. She loved cooking, dressing up and making clothes. She learnt the piano, her father taught her to play tennis to a high standard. All these skills came because her ambitious mother encouraged her to learn them. There’s nothing she can’t turn her hand to.”
Kate Middleton’s childhood upbringing learning so many useful and adventurous activities has certainly stood her in good stead for her current role as a senior royal. Both alongside Prince William and independently, the Duchess is regularly glimpsed at important occasions and engagements, many of which have seen her draw on these.
Last year fans were left amazed after Kate took to the court with US Open winner Emma Raducanu for a game of tennis. And though she may not make her special outfits herself, Kate Middleton’s dresses consistently wow fans, following on from her dressing-up days.
Carole Middleton’s reported encouragement of her daughter to become so accomplished has proved very useful, though Ingrid also expressed her belief that Kate’s own warmth with people has also helped shape her approach.
"She is patient, and has the ability to listen,” she said. “And she has discovered she has this ability with people, she is very good with the very young and the very old.”
As Kate Middleton prepares to celebrate her milestone 40th birthday on January 9, Carole will no doubt be incredibly proud as she reflects on all her daughter has achieved.
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Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Emma is a Royal Editor with seven years of experience working in digital publishing. Her specialist areas including literature, the British Royal Family and knowing all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and every streaming service out there. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, you can find Emma cooking and watching yet more crime dramas.
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