There have been growing discussions about whether Carole and Michael Middleton should be granted official titles as recognition for their unwavering loyalty and discretion.
Carole Middleton, mother of Princess Kate, has reportedly found the public scrutiny that comes with having a future queen as a daughter challenging.
She and her husband Michael were thrust into the public eye when Kate began dating Prince William in 2002. Now, as grandparents to a future king, some have questioned whether their connection to the Royal Family warrants formal recognition.
According to The Daily Mail’s Sophia Money-Coutts, an official acknowledgment from Buckingham Palace would be seen as a way to honor the couple for their dedication and discretion over the years.
Richard Eden, Mail Diary Editor, recently revealed that Carole initially struggled with adapting to her high-profile status. Speaking on the Palace Confidential podcast, he said:
“She really has played a key role, particularly over the past year with Catherine’s health problems. She and her husband Michael have truly been there, offering their support.”
He pointed to their participation in Princess Kate’s recovery video as a significant example of their involvement.
Eden recalled a conversation with Carole in 2008, where she expressed her discomfort with the attention, contradicting the portrayal of her as a “pushy mother” in The Crown.
“It was quite the opposite that came across—she was very uncomfortable with all of this attention, which she has managed over all of those years,” he added.
King Charles’ Appreciation and the Possibility of a Title
Despite reports of past tension—particularly after Prince George’s birth in 2013—King Charles is now said to be appreciative of the Middletons’ support over the years.
Money-Coutts writes:
“The only question now is whether the Middletons will be granted a title—as grandparents of a future king, and to reward them for their unstinting loyalty and discretion over the past two decades.”
At the time of Prince George’s birth, there were rumors of disagreements between then-Prince Charles and the Middletons over who would see the baby first—common family dynamics among grandparents. However, in recent years, Charles has reportedly come to value their presence in William and Kate’s lives.
Some believe an earldom could be in their future, though insiders suggest this is more likely when Prince William ascends the throne.
Businessman Sir John Madejski has previously suggested they be made the Earl and Countess of Bucklebury, named after the Berkshire village where they raised their children—Catherine, James, and Pippa.
A Low-Profile Public Presence
Despite their royal connections, the Middletons have remained largely focused on their family and business rather than seeking public attention.
The couple first met while working at British Airways before raising their three children and launching their business, Party Pieces, in the 1980s. The company, which specialized in party supplies, was later sold after being bought out of administration.
While there is no official confirmation regarding a potential title for the Middletons, their continued support of their daughter and the Royal Family has not gone unnoticed.
