As the Princess of Wales recovers from surgery, her loved ones provide constant support. Prince William juggles royal duties while caring for their children, ensuring stability at home.
Kate’s parents and siblings also stand by her. Her parents, who founded Party Pieces when she was five, turned a simple idea into a thriving business. Spotting a market gap for elegant partyware, Carole Middleton built a company that provided a comfortable life for Kate, Pippa, and James.
“Party Pieces was born at our kitchen table,” Carole recalled, describing the excitement of turning an idea into success.
Carole and Michael Middleton built their family business with help from their children. Pippa managed the blog, James baked cakes, and Catherine developed key product categories.
Carole admitted they were inexperienced but enthusiastic. However, reports suggest the company now struggles with $3.3 million in debt.
When Kate joined the royal family, Carole feared losing her to the Firm but kept her concerns private.
Before dating William, Kate faced bullying at Downe House, an elite all-girls boarding school. Former classmates recall she struggled to fit in and was often teased.
A later friend, Gemma Williamson, said Kate seemed thin, pale, and lacking confidence due to past bullying. Another classmate, Emma Sayle, described the school as highly competitive and cliquey, where pressure to be the best was intense.
Royal expert Katie Nicholl noted that Kate’s height and slender frame made her stand out, leading to teasing that made her school years difficult.
Kate faced bullying again, this time from William’s aristocratic friends, the “Glosse Posse.” They mocked her with phrases like “doors to manual” at London nightclubs, implying she wasn’t on their level.
Despite the derogatory remarks, Kate never reacted, showing resilience and composure. A royal aide noted she never lost her temper. William, however, fiercely defended her, shutting down any insults immediately. According to a royal source, he wouldn’t tolerate Kate being patronized, calling it one of his biggest triggers.
Over the years, plenty of people have pitched ideas for her, but if they presented them in a dismissive way, they didn’t get very far with him.
According to royal expert Canellecitadelle on Twitter, “When Kate felt isolated from his life, he confronted the ‘friends’ who were not only abusive toward her but also her mother, mocking her English [and] calling her ‘door to manual’ as she used to be a hostess. [William] made it clear he didn’t tolerate disrespect to [Kate] or his in-laws.”
At one point, people even referred to Kate’s family as “the en masse Middletons” because they would arrive at events together in a spotless Land Rover, fully equipped with everything needed for a proper upper-class picnic.
Kate Middleton and her family once faced snobbery from the upper class, who mocked their polished Land Rover and fancy picnic setup. In contrast, aristocrats arrived in muddy cars with worn-out blankets and simple food.
Over time, public opinion shifted, and Kate is now one of the most beloved royals.
With Kate recovering from surgery, her mother, Carole Middleton, is by her side, helping with the children.
Carole is reportedly very worried about Kate’s health. Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond described her as “clucking around like a mother hen.”
In a past interview, Carole admitted her biggest fear was losing family ties, but she remains a strong presence. A source told People Magazine that Kate’s parents will provide support as she recuperates in Windsor.