The real Middleton POWER BEHIND THE THRONE

Why Kate’s mum Carole holds a vital position within the Royal Family

- KERRY PARNELL

While her daughter gets all the headlines, there's another Middleton who wields the power in the Palace Catherine's mother, Carole.

The flight attendant-turned business woman celebrated her 70th birthday on 31 January, but she's showing no signs of slowing down. Still extremely glamorous and active, according to royal insiders, Carole Middleton continues to be a power-player in the Royal Family, not least because she provides much-needed support for daughter Kate and a 'normal' home life for son-in-law William. So much so, it's reported William considers his mother-inlaw a non-negotiable asset at the heart of the Wales camp.

The Middleton home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, has always been a place of respite for William and Kate. It was here the new parents stayed when George was born and they see the family home as somewhere they can all feel normal thanks to Carole, say royal experts.