The Middletons are Prince William’s ‘anchor’ and provide a ‘sense of normality’, royal expert claims
Prince William has always been close to Duchess Catherine's 'close-knit' family

The Middleton family are an “anchor” for Prince William, who sees their family dynamic as the one he “wished he’d had growing up”, a royal expert has claimed.
- It's been suggested the Middletons have always been an “anchor” for Prince William and Duchess Catherine.
- Prince William is supposedly “trying to raise his own kids” with a similarly “close-knit” family dynamic.
- In other royal news, the Queen sends heartfelt gift to the hospital that treated Prince Philip.
Prince William is believed to have a very close relationship with his wife Duchess Catherine's family, the Middletons. In April 2021, William and Catherine will celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary and it's thought that the Queen could be planning to mark this wonderful occasion in some way.
Not only does this significant date mark the beginning of their married life together, but a decade since Duchess Catherine officially joined the Royal Family. This huge event also transformed the lives of Michael and Carole Middleton who are now parents to the future Queen.
Throughout the years, the family has remained close and the Duchess of Cambridge took to Instagram on Mother's Day to celebrate Carole's role in her life, posting an adorable throwback picture. Whilst it's even been suggested that Michael and Carole Middleton could have a bigger influence on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's children than the Royal Family in the future.
Now royal expert Katie Nicholl has suggested that for both Prince William and Duchess Catherine, the Middleton family provides a sense of “normality”.
More from woman&home:
- Best Kindles - for digital book lovers - to help you decide which one to buy
- Best sewing machines for beginners - 5 machines to get you started with the hobby
- Best jewelry making kits - or crafting intricate, one-of-a-kind pieces for yourself or as a special gift
A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@kensingtonroyal)
A photo posted by on
What does Prince William think of the Middletons?
Royal expert Katie explained to OK! magazine: “The Middletons have always been that anchor for Kate and William.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
“It’s a real sense of normality amid any chaos. William has always loved spending time with all the Middletons as it’s his escapism.”
She also spoke of how Prince William’s closeness to Carole and Michael Middleton could have helped shape the wider Royal Family’s relationship with his mother and father-in-law.
“He’s close to Carole and Michael and always insisted the royal family treat them well, which the Queen has done. She welcomed them with open arms”, Katie stated.
“William has found weekends away with them so relaxing. It’s a close-knit family and more than anything, they’re very normal. It’s the family dynamic he wished he’d had growing up and it’s how he’s trying to raise his own kids.”
How have the Middletons influenced Duchess Catherine's parenting style?
When it comes to raising their three children, Katie also discussed her belief that Duchess Catherine is keen to keep them “grounded” despite them growing up facing public scrutiny as members of the Royal Family. And it seems like Catherine's experience with her own family might have inspired her parenting style.
“Kate knows the difficulties she may face as her children are in the public eye”, the royal expert said. “[B]ut she is focused on keeping them grounded, especially as her own family have kept her feet firmly on the ground.”
A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@kensingtonroyal)
A photo posted by on
The Middleton Family has grown this month, with the arrival of Pippa Middleton’s second child - a little girl. Speaking of the joy the birth of her niece has brought Duchess Catherine in the aftermath of her brother-in-law Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Oprah interview, Katie revealed that “Pippa’s baby joy has been a welcome distraction for Kate after a difficult few weeks”.
“It’s really put a smile back on her face”, she stated.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
Think head-to-toe leopard print is too much? Amanda Holden shows how elegant it can be with exquisite three-piece suit
The BGT star proved there's no such thing as too much animal print
By Kerrie Hughes Published
-
Celebrity style inspo: How to elevate your outfit with a statement bag
From embellished clutches to bold printed totes, these stylish stars have some serious arm candy
By Kathryn Lewsey Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William mark Valentine's Day with candid romantic picture - and the caption says it all
The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared a new picture to celebrate Valentine's Day and it's pure romance
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton won't be at the BAFTAs - but we're still dreaming of last year's sensational gown
The Princess of Wales won't be attending the BAFTAs this year and we can't stop thinking about her striking previous outfit
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Remember Kate Middleton's raspberry pink knit and coat combination? We're taking notes for Valentine's Day
The Princess of Wales's Boden jumper from 2021 was all the inspiration you'll ever need for styling bold pink in a wearable way
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton could make special appearance at event she 'loves' alongside Prince William
The Princess of Wales could potentially attend a high-profile event with Prince William and make her first red carpet appearance of 2025
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Carole Middleton has always been Kate's 'rock' as 'unflappable' family matriarch
Carole Middleton is 'very proactive' and has been 'amazing' as a source of support for the Princess of Wales all her life
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton marks World Cancer Day with heart-warming new photo taken by Prince Louis
The Princess of Wales has shared a special post ahead of World Cancer Day 2025 and it features a powerful reminder
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's foodie compromise for Prince William that we bet she'd make for King Charles
The Princess of Wales has developed a way to keep everyone happy when she makes a signature dish and it involves tweaking the method
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's favourite Zara dress is the monochrome style gift that keeps on giving - and we love its versatility
The Princess of Wales brought back her checked Zara dress for her first visit to Wales in 2025 and it looked as stylish as ever
By Emma Shacklock Published