Michael Middleton, father of Kate, the Princess of Wales, who became grandfather to a future King

The Middleton family has undergone a remarkable transformation, transitioning from the ambitious middle class to the fringes of royalty. The parents of Catherine, Princess of Wales, Carole and Michael Middleton, secured prominent positions at King Charles’ Coronation in May, alongside their daughters Pippa Matthews and James Middleton, at Westminster Abbey.

More significantly, the Middleton grandparents continue to play a vital role in the lives of their grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. While Carole and Pippa often capture public attention, with Carole’s striking sapphire-colored dress at the Abbey garnering admiration, Michael Middleton’s presence is equally crucial.

At 74 years old, Michael, Catherine’s father, may often be seen in the background, but he has been a steadying influence throughout his daughter’s courtship and subsequent marriage to Prince William. His calming demeanor has undoubtedly been invaluable during this extraordinary journey for the family.

Michael Middleton, born on June 23, 1949, in Leeds, England, has a fascinating family background. He was raised by Captain Peter Middleton and Valerie Glassborow, a family with aristocratic roots. In the early 20th century, the Middleton family had close connections with the British royal family. Both of Michael’s parents served during World War II, with his mother working as a code breaker and volunteer nurse, while his father was a pilot for the Royal Air Force. Notably, Peter Middleton once flew alongside Prince Philip as a co-pilot during a two-month flying tour of South America in 1962. Following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, Michael attended the prestigious Clifton College boarding school in Bristol before pursuing higher education at the University of Surrey, where he graduated.

Michael Middleton initially pursued a career in aviation, following in his father’s footsteps by studying at the British European Airways’ flight school. However, he later decided to work as part of the ground crew instead. He joined British Airways as a flight dispatcher, where he met his future wife, Carole Goldsmith. The couple married on June 21, 1980, at the Church of St. James in Buckinghamshire.

In 1982, Michael and Carole welcomed their first child, Catherine Middleton, who would later become the Princess of Wales. Their second daughter, Philippa, was born in 1983. From May 1984 to September 1986, Michael’s work took the family to Amman, Jordan. Upon their return to England in 1987, the couple had their youngest child, James.

In the same year, Carole established Party Pieces, a company selling party supplies and decorations. By the 1990s, the business had expanded into mail orders, managed by both Carole and Michael. As the company thrived, in 2012, they moved into a Tudor-style manor house in Bucklebury, Berkshire.

The role of Michael and Carole Middleton, the grandparents of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, has significantly expanded within the royal family. Unlike previous non-royal in-laws who were often sidelined, Prince William has ensured that the Middletons are fully embraced and included in royal events and gatherings.

The late Queen Elizabeth II herself appreciated the Middletons’ hard-working and aspirational values, welcoming them into the fold. They have been invited to prestigious royal occasions such as Balmoral, Royal Ascot, and Sandringham, where they have been guests on Christmas Day. Most recently, they attended the Coronation of King Charles III.

In contrast to past generations, it is evident that the Middletons will play an active role in the lives of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, marking a shift in the royal family’s approach to non-royal relatives.