Carole Middleton: The Quiet Driving Force Holding Kate and William’s Family Together After Cancer Diagnosis

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Carole Middleton has been the crucial link keeping the Waleses together after Kate’s cancer diagnosis, a source close to the family has revealed.

The mother-of-three has been praised for playing a vital behind-the-scenes role for the Prince and Princess of Wales during what has been one of the royal family’s most turbulent periods in recent times.

A source close to the Middletons said The independent: “Carole has been the driving force that has kept the family together with minimal fuss and maximum modesty.

“She transported and picked up George, Louis and Charlotte, took them to school sports games and provided endless support. She has been a real Mary Poppins-like figure.”

The source described Carole, 69, who in 1987 founded Party Pieces, a company that sells children’s party supplies, as providing the young family with the “three Rs.” They said: “She came to the rescue, provided reassurance and has been a rock for Catherine and William as they come to terms with the news.”

The independent understands that Carole has stepped up her maternal duties by taking her grandchildren (Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis) to school and, along with her husband Michael, is immune to family politics and free to provide support whenever necessary. necessary.

The source added: “Their actions are in stark contrast to those expressing support from afar.”

Although Carole is understood to have been one of the first to learn of Kate’s diagnosis, the princess posted a heartfelt video message on Friday revealing to the public that she had been receiving preventive chemotherapy, sparking an outpouring of sympathy around the world.

Prince Harry reportedly dropped by from his home in California, as he and his wife Meghan offered words of support, saying, “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they can do so privately and peacefully.” .

Meanwhile, the King is said to be “proud” of his “beloved” daughter-in-law for her “bravery” in speaking out about her treatment, just a month after revealing she had been diagnosed with the disease.

Charles, whose cancer was discovered while he was being treated for an enlarged prostate, remained in close contact with her during treatment.

With the head of state and future queen receiving treatment for undisclosed forms of cancer, the royal family faces an uncertain period, but the monarchy is expected to rally behind those at the heart of the institution, with Carole providing a source of unwavering support. .

Kensington Palace said Saturday that the princess is “hugely moved” by the messages of support she has received.

Kate is said to have a positive mindset about her recovery and is in good spirits, describing herself as “doing well and getting stronger every day” while requesting privacy for her family during her convalescence.

After tests following the abdominal operation she underwent in January came back positive for cancer, the princess and her husband decided to share the news once their children began the Easter school holidays to protect them from intense coverage about the his mother’s health.

The announcement has gone some way to ending weeks of frantic speculation and conspiracy theories about the whereabouts and health of the 42-year-old woman, who had only been seen in public three times since her operation. In the first of three sightings near Windsor Castle in March, the princess was photographed driving with her mother.

Online rumors about Kate intensified after William missed, at very short notice, the memorial service for his godfather, the late King Constantine of Greece, on February 27, due to a personal matter. It has now been learned that the prince withdrew from the event after his wife’s positive test.

Further speculation was sparked when the princess admitted to “editing” her official Mother’s Day family photograph after several international news agencies removed the image.

Another development was the launch of an investigation by the UK’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office, into allegations that there were attempts to access Kate’s private medical records at the London Clinic where He underwent his surgery.

It is not known how long Kate will receive treatment, but it is understood that she may be willing to attend events when she feels able to do so, in accordance with medical advice, although this will not indicate a return to full-time duties.

William will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since his operation.

The prince will return to his public duties after his children return to school following the Easter holidays, but the Welsh will not join other royals for the traditional Easter service at St George’s Chapel at St George’s Castle. Windsor.