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“Queen Carole” ruffles royal feathers

Duchess Catherine may be married to the future King of England, but it is her mother, Carole Middleton, who seems to be climbing up the social ranks – much to her daughter’s dismay.
Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton

Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana’s christening on July 5 was meant to be a joyous day for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

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But in the latest issue of Woman’s Day magazine, it’s been revealed that behind Catherine’s professional smile lies uncharacteristic frostiness towards one of the women she trusts most – her mum, Carole Middleton.

The Middleton family take a prominent place in the official christening portrait – something that would never be heard of back in William and Harry’s youth!

Perched proudly next to Prince Charles in the official royal portrait, Carole couldn’t have looked happier. Not to mention Catherine’s siblings, James and Pippa Middleton, who were planted in a powerful position behind Prince William and George.

The Middleton inclusion in this historic photograph sent tongues wagging among longtime royal watchers, who say their very presence in both Princess Charlotte’s portrait proves the monarchy’s protocol has changed immensely since the marriage of her parents, both 33, in 2011.

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In stark contrast, at William’s and Harry’s christenings, the official royal photographs show that Princess Diana’s side of the family was nowhere in sight.

Carole wants to be involved with her royal family in every way possible and often looks after the kids.

Woman’s Day magazine says that behind the scenes, Catherine is begging her mother to tone down her desire to be treated like a royal. But so far her wishes appear to be falling on deaf ears.

The Middleton’s desire for prominence was again displayed front and centre at Wimbledon recently, with Pippa and James even sitting in the prestige royal box, while mum Carole made quite the entrance with Michael in tow behind her.

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Catherine’s youngest brother James seems to be taking his royal relations for granted complaining, to digital magazine The Young Director in January, “Yes, it does get frustrating. I work incredibly hard — just like every other person in business and work and aside from the fact that yes, I am the brother of someone very important, I am, at the end of the day, just James.”

A smug Carole couldn’t contain herself at Wimbledon as she sat front and centre in the coveted spot.

Meanwhile Carole and Pippa have both capitalised on their royal connections and have gone on to write books, party guides and secure columns in national publications. Carole, who has made her millions running a children’s party business, has even been known to design royal themed birthday parties for the little “prince or princess” in your life – much to the distaste of Britain’s upper classes – some of whom snidely refer to her as “Queen Carole”.

Taking after his late mother, William wants the Middletons to be considered part of the family but in this week’s magazine, on stands now, we discover that Kate isn’t quite so pleased with the interference.

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Pick up this week’s issue of Woman’s Day, on stands now, to read all about the on-going drama between the Duchess and the Middletons

This week’s issue of Woman’s Day unveils Catherine’s turmoil with her family.

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