Ambitious and Calculated: Carole Middleton’s Role
In the new season of “The Crown,” viewers are introduced to Carole Middleton, the former flight attendant who reportedly masterminded her eldest daughter’s romance with Prince William. The claims have earned the real-life matriarch the title of “the British Kris Jenner” among viewers and the U.K. press.
Carole Middleton’s Social Ambitions
Christopher Andersen, author of “The Crown: The Inside History,” confirmed that Carole Middleton was indeed ambitious for her daughter. She played a crucial role in bringing William and Kate together, as Andersen explains, “They probably never would have even met if Carole hadn’t schemed to make it happen. The truth is that Carole Elizabeth Goldsmith Middleton always had sky-high social ambitions, not just for Kate but for all of her three children.”
Carole’s Influence on Kate’s Educational Choices
According to Andersen, Carole convinced Kate to switch from Edinburgh University to St. Andrews, where William was attending. This last-minute change was reportedly due to Carole’s belief that William and Kate should be brought together. While Edinburgh University was Kate’s first choice, Carole’s persuasion led to the fateful decision.
Carole’s Strategic Moves
Carole’s fingerprints are all over Kate’s first move on the royal chessboard, according to author Tina Brown. She saw the possibility of a royal romance from the very beginning and encouraged Kate to become William’s roommate. Carole’s strategy involved moving her family up in the social strata, ensuring her children excelled in the right schools and activities.
The “Waity Katie” Years
While Kate and William became close friends during their college years, their relationship took a turn at the college fashion show in 2002. Middleton’s modeling of a see-through frock caught William’s attention. They eventually moved in together in 2003, went public in 2004, and briefly split in 2007. However, Carole provided guidance to Kate throughout the “Waity Katie” phase and helped her win William back.
Carole Middleton: Guiding Force or Tabloid Sensationalism?
Despite the claims made about Carole’s role in William and Kate’s relationship, royal photographer and broadcaster Helena Chard emphasizes that the character portraying Carole in “The Crown” is based on sensationalism from tabloid papers. The truth is that Carole Middleton embodies discretion, privacy, and respect. She provided the love, protection, and stabilizing normality that Prince William yearned for after losing his mother. Carole Middleton is a rock who quietly supports the needs of the couple.
The Real Deal: William and Kate’s Romance
Regardless of Carole’s influence, one thing is certain: William and Kate’s romance was genuine. They got engaged in late 2010, married in 2011, and are now proud parents to three children. Carole and her husband are hands-on grandparents to the royal children. As Carole helped cement their relationship, William is now destined to become the future king of England.
