The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with their three adorable children, are arguably one of the most famous families in the world.
And while we know plenty about Prince William’s side of the family, the Middletons have stayed relatively quiet when it comes to private affairs ever since William and Catherine’s engagement was announced.
But in a rare interview for the 30th anniversary of her company Party Pieces, Carole Middleton has opened up about what it was like to have her eldest daughter marry into the royal family as well as what to expect at a Middleton family Christmas.
Christmas at the Middletons
If you thought you were prepared when it came to Christmas, Carole Middleton will give you a run for your money.
In the exclusive chat with the UK Telegraph, self-described “list-maker” Carole said she starts planning the festivities just after Halloween complete with wrapping paper themes.
On Christmas Day, the family, who live in the British county of Berkshire, attend church in the morning, go on a walk and then open presents. And while lunch is smoked salmon with champagne, the full Christmas dinner is served in the evening. And this year it’s a little different, as there will be a vegan option for flexitarian Carole.
“If I go to someone’s house for dinner, I’m not going to make a fuss. For Christmas, I’d probably have two options – very traditional and something vegan,” she told the paper.
Carole’s youngest, James, previously mentioned that Christmas is a traditional day in the Middleton family calendar with all the trimmings.
“There’ll be turkey, champagne and some wine…For me it’s all about family… It’s one where we can all regroup,” James said in an interview on German TV channel, Leute Heute.
Mrs Middleton also admitted that Prince George, five and Princess Charlotte, three, will have their own Christmas tree in their room to decorate as they please. Now that’s what we call a doting grandmother!
The Cambridge clan attended Christmas with the Middletons in 2016. (Image: Getty Images)
What it’s like mingling with the royals
Attending weddings and christenings alongside the Queen and other dignitaries may seem intimidating for some, but for Carole, she was just like any other mother watching her daughter get married.
Speaking about the extravagant 2011 royal wedding, Carole said, “Like every mother, I wanted to look my best, make my children proud and enjoy the day.”
“I honestly don’t think I was any more stressed than any other mother-of-the-bride.”
Catherine’s younger sister Pippa also spoke about the surprisingly normal side of William and Catherine’s wedding shortly after the event as well.
“We saw it as a family as just a family wedding, and actually I didn’t realise perhaps the scale of it until afterwards,” she told US show, Today.
WATCH: Pippa Middleton talks about the royal wedding. Post continues…
Carole played an important part in both Catherine and Pippa’s respective weddings, even helping with details including the music.
“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.”
Despite her daughter’s marriage into the royal family, Carole keeps things refreshingly down-to-earth.
“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.”
Carole and Michael Middleton saw Prince Louis’ christening as just another “family event.” (Image: Getty Images)
Family comes first
Carole and husband Michael welcomed not one but two grandchildren this year- Prince Louis was born in April and Arthur was born to Pippa and James Matthews in October. And as their family grows, the Middleton matriarch knows that they are her number one priority.
In fact, she admitted that her biggest fear as Catherine, Pippa and James grew up was that she’d lose her family, but thankfully they have “stayed close.”
“They come first and that will always be the case, even when I have more me time.”
“I have two lovely sons-in-law and I hope I’ll have a lovely daughter-in-law.”
Carole Middleton has always put her family first. (Image: Getty Images)
She may dote on her children and grandchildren, but Carole also made it clear that discipline and manners are an important lesson to teach the little ones from an early age.
“You can’t suddenly start teaching them about politeness at 13. You have to do it from the start.”
When Duchess Catherine became a mother herself, she frequented her old family home in Bucklebury and relied on her parents, particularly her mother. In fact, the first official photograph of the Cambridge family when Prince George was born was taken at the Middleton family home.
A royal source told The Sun that after the birth of Prince Louis, Carole was popping in and out of Kensington Palace, helping with George and Charlotte.
“Kate already has nanny Maria, who is fantastic, but Carole’s been an amazing second pair of hands.”
