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Prince William finds comfort in ‘other mother,’ according to Royal butler

metro.co.uk

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

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Prince William reportedly considers Carole Middleton to be his ‘other mother,’ a former Royal butler has revealed. Grant Harold, who worked as a butler for the then-Prince Charles from 2004 to 2011, recently told Marie Claire (on behalf of Heart Bingo Online) that the Middleton matria...

Prince William reportedly considers Carole Middleton to be his ‘other mother,’ a former Royal butler has revealed. Grant Harold, who worked as a butler for the then-Prince Charles from 2004 to 2011, recently told Marie Claire (on behalf of Heart Bingo Online) that the Middleton matriarch has been a great source of support to the future King. (Picture: Getty Images)

As his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales’ mother, William has known Carole since the early 2000s, when the pair first started dating as students at Scotland’s University of St Andrews. Harold recalled: ‘William always had a good relationship with both Kate’s parents, but especially her mother, Carole.’ (Picture: Getty Images)

Harold added that when he was working for the Royal family, William would often spend weekends at the Middleton household in Bucklebury, Berkshire, which he ‘really enjoyed.’ In 2008, William famously landed a Royal Air Force helicopter in the Middletons’ garden, which is around an hour’s drive from Kensington Palace — likely a sure-fire sign that he was serious about his relationship with Kate. (Picture: Getty Images)

Harold also noted that Carole, nor her husband Michael (Kate’s father), ever treated William like ‘royalty.’ Rather, they responded by giving him ‘some of the normality he craved during his 20s and 30s.’ Adding that the Middletons are a ‘warm and welcoming family,’ Harold noted that William has always looked to Carole as a ‘second mother.’ ‘He would speak to her when anything worries him, and if he wants advice or guidance,’ explained the former butler. ‘It’s always been the way.’ (Picture: Getty Images)

This closeness and respect for Carole was publicly shown back in 2023, when it was reported that William insisted his in-laws were invited to his father, King Charles III’s Coronation. Harold stated this extension was a ‘clear sign of his feelings’ towards them. ‘I believe they will be a strong support to the Royal Family going forward.’ (Picture: Getty Images)

Of course, the Middletons have always been part of the fold at Royal events. This includes attending Kate’s annual ‘Together at Christmas’ carol services, the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, Wimbledon Tennis Championships (where they’re often seen in the Royal Box), and making multiple Royal Ascot appearances. (Picture: Getty Images)

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Carole and Michael’s fondness for Prince William has also been made public in the past, too. When he and Kate announced their engagement in 2010 — having dated between 2003 and 2007, before reconciling and marrying in 2011 — Michael made a statement to the press. During his speech, he said how ‘delighted’ he and Carole were by the announcement, and that they were ‘thrilled by the prospect of a wedding.’ (Picture: Getty Images)

Michael continued: ‘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. 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 for the future.’ More recently, Royal biographer Katie Nicholl told the Daily Mail that the Middletons made it clear that Kate’s marriage to William meant ‘they were gaining a son,’ while body language expert Judi James commented on their ‘mother-son relationship.’ (Picture: Getty Images)

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