Why the Middletons could have a bigger ‘influence’ on the Cambridge children than the Royal Family

Royal commentators claim that Duchess Catherine will "always" turn to mother Carole for advice

Michael and Carole Middleton visiting Prince William and Kate Middleton, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital with their new born baby boy, Paddington, London
(Image credit: Doug Peters / Alamy Stock Photo)

Michael and Carole Middleton have long been part of royal life, but now it’s been predicted that they may have a greater influence on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s children than the Royal Family. 

Michael and Carole Middleton, parents to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, are devoted grandparents to her royal children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The Middleton family live in Berkshire, whilst the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge typically split their time between Kensington Palace and their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, where the couple is understood to be spending the UK’s third lockdown. 

However, despite this geographical distance, it’s been predicted by royal commentators that the Middletons could have a bigger influence on the Duke and Duchess’ children than the Royal Family.

What influence could the Middleton family have on their grandchildren?

Speaking in a new Channel 5 documentary, When the Middletons Met the Monarchy, royal commentator Tom Quinn said: “I suspect everyone thinks that in terms of the children, the royal family will inevitably have the most influence, but that is entirely wrong.”

“It will be the Middletons that have the influence because the royal family is too formal, it's too stuck in its ways.”

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Fellow royal commentator Jennie Bond added, “I suppose there is a little tension at times between who gets to see the grandkids the most.”

'Kate will always turn to Carole for help, advice, guidance, and just get together and romping around with the kids - possibly before she would get together with Camilla and Charles.”

Mr. Quinn then reportedly went on to reveal how Prince Charles was “shocked and saddened” after he discovered that his son Prince William and daughter-in-law Duchess Catherine had chosen to locate their country home in Norfolk, whilst his country home, Highgrove, is many miles away in Gloucestershire.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s family 

Duchess Catherine’s closeness to her parents has long been known, so it certainly makes sense that she would turn to them for advice or guidance. Prince William and Duchess Catherine are also generally very private about their children and family life. 

Royal fans are delighted by the occasional family picture that is posted on the official Kensington Royal Instagram page. However, the Cambridges seem to be keen to give Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis a childhood largely away from the spotlight, just like the one the Duchess experienced with her parents in Berkshire.

Lockdown is currently keeping the Cambridges from seeing their grandparents at the moment.

But we can’t wait to see them all reunite in the future!

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!