Prince William found support in mother-in-law Carole Middleton during Kate's cancer diagnosis

Prince William found a pillar of support in his mother-in-law, Carole Middleton, during the challenging period following Catherine, Princess of Wales's cancer diagnosis, according to royal author Robert Jobson. Jobson revealed that Middleton, 71, provided a crucial confidante for the Prince of Wales, then 44, offering him solace and a listening ear.

Speaking to Hello! magazine, Jobson recounted how Carole Middleton would take her son-in-law to the pub for conversations, providing him with a respite from what William himself described as a "brutal" time. "When everything was falling apart and he needed someone to talk to, she was the one," Jobson stated. "She's been a good sounding-board, a wise head."

Carole Middleton was also a constant presence for her grandchildren during this period, described by Jobson as being "as solid as a rock."

The close bond between Prince William and the Middleton family, particularly Carole, has been evident for years. Royal commentator Tina Brown, in her 2022 book "The Palace Papers: Inside the House of Windsor - the Truth and the Turmoil," noted that William "adopted" the Middleton family shortly after beginning his relationship with Kate in the early 2000s. An acquaintance told Brown that William was drawn to their "warm nest with a complete nuclear family and seemingly wonderfully uncomplicated."

William's comfort with the Middletons was such that he was known to prefer spending weekends at their home, enjoying "tennis, TV and Carole's creature comforts at the Middleton manse," as noted by Brown. His affection for the family was further demonstrated when he chose to spend Christmas at their home in Bucklebury, West Berkshire, in 2011, rather than with the Royal Family. He even transferred his quad bike from Highgrove to the Middleton residence and joined them on holidays, including trips to Mustique.

Carole Middleton's involvement in William's life extended to significant royal events. She accompanied Kate to William's passing-out parade at Sandhurst in December 2006, marking Kate's first official public appearance. More recently, the public witnessed the warmth of their relationship at Royal Ascot in 2024, when William offered a helping hand to Carole after her heel became stuck in the grass. The moment, captured in photographs, highlighted their genuine affection.

During the Easter school holidays in 2024, Carole Middleton stayed with the Wales family in Norfolk, offering continued support. This familial closeness was underscored in a video message released by Catherine in March 2024, detailing her cancer journey. The footage showed William and his children spending time with Carole and Michael Middleton, with the grandchildren visibly interacting with their grandparents, indicating the significant role they play in the family's life.

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, has previously commented on the integral role Carole and Michael play in William's life, stating, "Carole and Michael are just as much family to William as they are to Catherine." She added, "He loves Carole being around to help as she has been with the children from the beginning and it is easy and reassuring having her invaluable help. Both with the children and keeping Catherine's spirits up. She is a strong woman!"

Carole and Michael Middleton have also been deeply involved in their grandchildren's lives since Prince George's birth in 2013. Michael Middleton even took the first photograph of his new grandson to spare the new parents the need for an external photographer. In 2014, Carole joined William and Kate on a tour of Australia and New Zealand to assist with childcare.