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Behind the royal spotlight, Prince William<\/a><\/strong> has quietly relied on a trusted figure he considers his \u201cother mother.\u201d According to a royal butler, her support has been a steady presence, helping him carry on the empathy and grace demonstrated by his mother, Princess Diana<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Former royal butler Grant Harold<\/strong> told Marie Claire<\/a><\/em> (on behalf of Heart Bingo Online) that William has found a trusted confidante in his mother-in-law<\/a>, Carole Middleton<\/strong>. They have a close relationship built over two decades.<\/p>\n “William always had a good relationship with both Kate\u2019s parents, but especially her mother, Carole,\u201d Harold began. \u201cWhen I was working with the family, he used to go and spend weekends at their house, which I know he really enjoyed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey are a warm and welcoming family, and I imagine they gave him some of the normality he craved during his 20s and 30s,\u201d the former staffer continued. Harold believed the prince felt that Middleton was “a second mother.\u201d<\/p>\n Parade Daily<\/strong>\ud83c\udfac <\/strong>SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox<\/strong><\/a> \ud83c\udfac<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cHe would speak to her when anything worries him, and if he wants advice or guidance. It\u2019s always been the way.\u201d<\/p>\n RELATED: Prince Harry and Prince William Reunion Could Still Happen: Royal Expert<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n When William and Kate Middleton<\/a><\/strong> announced their engagement after nearly a decade together, Carole and Michael Middleton<\/strong> spoke with reporters, sharing their excitement about the happy news. Their 2010 comments have been shared in a viral Instagram video<\/a>.<\/p>\n Michael spoke for himself and his wife, telling the cameras, “Carole and I are absolutely delighted by today’s announcement and thrilled by the prospect of a wedding sometime next year. As you know, Catherine and Prince William have been going out together for quite a number of years, which is great for us because we’ve got to know William really well.”<\/p>\n The statement concluded, “We all think he’s wonderful and we’re extremely fond of him. They make a lovely couple. They’re great fun to be with, and we’ve had a lot of laughs together. We wish them every happiness<\/a> for the future.”<\/p>\n Carole and Michael Middleton are regularly included in major royal family events. They have attended Kate’s Together at Christmas annual holiday celebration, as well as Queen Elizabeth<\/a><\/strong>‘s funeral, King Charles<\/strong>‘ coronation, and Royal Ascot.<\/p>\n Over the years, Carole Middleton has become more than a mother-in-law to Prince William; she\u2019s a trusted confidante. Their close bond shows how family support continues to shape William’s life.<\/p>\n This story was originally published by Parade<\/a> on Feb 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the News<\/a> section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n