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Kate Middleton’s marriage into the Royal Family was expected to bring the monarchy into the modern era, as she was the first bride in recent history who was not from an aristocratic background. As she was thrust into the spotlight, so were her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton. Despite the focus on her business, Party Pieces, Mrs Middleton made it clear in her first solo interview with The Daily Telegraph in December 2018 that “my family are paramount”.

As the grandmother to the future king, Prince George, she emphasised that her relatives “come first and that will always be the case, even when I have more me time”.

She said that she embraces her role as “Granny Middleton” and explained: “I had a wonderful role model in Mike’s mother, who I tried to emulate.”

Indeed, Mrs Middleton and her husband were the first visitors to see George shortly after his birth in 2013, before any members of the Royal Family.

She told The Telegraph: “I’m definitely hands-on. I don’t find it complicated.

“My biggest fear [as her children grew up] was that I’d lose my family but we’ve stayed close.”

Journalist and interviewer Lisa Armstrong commented: “It’s clear that she adores children (‘I’d have had five or six if I could’).

“She made sure she was around as much as possible for her three and relishes her role as ‘Granny Middleton’ to all four of her grandchildren.

“One can see why her eldest daughter retreated to her mother’s after Prince George was born.”

George’s birth — and the Middletons’ involvement with his life — has prompted some royal fans to wonder if the pair will eventually be granted a royal title, as grandparents of a future monarch.

Back in February, Woman and Home noted that there is a “long line of tradition going back to the Tudors” where grandparents of royals were granted titles.

It explained: “Anne Boleyn’s father [was] given an earldom before she gave birth to Queen Elizabeth I.”

Yet, royal expert Christopher Wilson told The Daily Telegraph in 2013: “It does not really matter that George’s maternal grandparents have no titles because [Prince George] takes his rank, his right of succession, from his father, not his mother.

“If the Queen bestowed a peerage on Michael Middleton, there would be criticism as there is no real reason to create a hereditary peerage for him.”

Additionally, it could establish a dubious precedent for giving those outside of the royal firm titles.

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However, the normality the Middletons offer has served them well over the years, as it is not just Kate who has sought comfort in their calm Berkshire home.

Many critics have pointed out that Prince William was drawn to Kate partly because of the escapism offered by her normal upbringing.

Royal author Phil Dampier told The Sun in February that William’s in-laws have “provided a middle-class haven for him” and “helps keep him grounded” away from the chaos of royal life.

Mr Dampier continued: “Now that Harry and Meghan have, in effect, left the Royal Family, there is a lot more pressure on William and Kate.

“Carole will be a stabilising and supportive force in the background, looking after the kids when needs be but also just being there for them.”

Mr Dampier added: “[She] is very much a power behind the throne and her influence is immense …. there will be stressful times ahead, and Kate and William will need the support of Carole and Michael more than ever.”

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