A parent is a parent, no matter how old their child gets. In January this year, Carole and Michael Middleton marked the 42nd birthday of their first born. Days later, they saw her go into hospital for major abdominal surgery and learned, weeks later, that she needed chemotherapy. As their own child dealt with cancer, they also had to help her support her own three children, now dealing with mum’s serious illness. It’s been the toughest of times for them and , as the family reaches a new chapter, the appreciation of their love has been made very public.
For in the very open video of the family of the Prince and Princess of Wales, shared as Catherine announced her chemotherapy has come to an end, there is a special place for Carole and Michael Middleton at the heart of the royal home.
The couple are seen playing with their Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9 and six year old Prince Louis as they enjoy a game around the table with William and Catherine.
(Kensington Palace still/ fair use)
The appearance places them, rightly, at the very heart of the family they have helped nurture and support through the years but which they have also helped carry as Catherine found out she had cancer and her children needed the stability and reassurance of all those they loved.
There is no doubt that Carole and Michael Middleton have been at the side of their daughter, grandchildren and son in law through a time that Catherine herself described as ”complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.”
During the past nine months, a time the Princess called ”incredibly tough for us as a family” she has had her parents with her and known that her own children have been able to rely on them too. That is a crucial part of any recovery and their vital role is on show now for the world to see. Their discretion and calmness must have been a huge help to the Princess of Wales in these difficult times.
Now, they have hope for the future as their own child completes chemotherapy and puts her sights on remaining cancer free. Catherine said she has a ”renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life’.
Her decision to give so prominent a place to her beloved parents in the family video that announced that to the world shows just how vital the Middletons have been to the Royal Family in a year like no other.
