Over the weekend, Prince William reportedly made a discreet visit to a pub in North Norfolk, accompanied by his mother-in-law, Carole Middleton. This unexpected outing sheds light on the close relationship between Prince William and his in-laws. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with their three children, have been spending the Easter school holidays at their countryside home in the area. This trip comes as Kate continues her cancer treatment after being diagnosed earlier this year. Carole Middleton is believed to be staying with the family during this time.
Richard Eden, the Daily Mail diary editor, revealed that Prince William was seen relaxing at the pub with Carole Middleton. In his column, he wrote, "The Prince of Wales was seen relaxing at the weekend with Carole. I am told he walked into a pub in North Norfolk at the weekend with his mother-in-law, who is said to have been staying with the Prince and Princess of Wales over Easter." According to one customer at the pub, the visit was unassuming, with Prince William casually entering and passing through the bar. Mr. Eden also contrasted Prince William's ability to carry out normal everyday activities with Prince Harry's previous statement about fearing for their lives in Britain.
It is worth noting that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior members of the royal family in 2020 and currently reside in their $11 million Montecito Palace in California with their two children, Archie and Lilibet. In the midst of Kate's cancer treatment, Carole Middleton has been hailed as the pillar holding the family together. Known for her close bond with her eldest daughter, Carole has been described as a Mary Poppins-like figure to her grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. A source close to the family shared with The Independent that Carole has been supporting Kate by taking the children to school and offering endless assistance without drawing attention.
Royal expert Jenny Bond expressed her empathy for Kate, highlighting that even at the age of 42, she remains Carole's little girl. Bond stated, "Watching her go through this and endure the pressure of bullying to explain it was very upsetting." However, Kate is fortunate to be surrounded by an inner circle of trusted family, friends, and helpers who provide unwavering support during her cancer diagnosis and preventative treatment. In her address to the nation regarding her diagnosis, Kate emphasized that having William by her side has been a tremendous source of comfort and reassurance. Additionally, her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, as well as her siblings, Pippa Matthews and James Middleton, live just minutes away from Windsor. Thus, when Kate returns home to Adelaide Cottage, her family is readily available to lend a helping hand.
Speaking to Hello magazine, Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, described the Middleton family as incredibly close-knit, with Carole playing an active role as a hands-on grandmother. Her presence and involvement are sure to be invaluable during this challenging time for the family.
