Carole and Michael have long been central figures in Kate’s life, and over the years they have formed a warm and relaxed relationship with Prince William as well. They even joined him at Royal Ascot in June, where William was seen helping Carole when her heel became stuck in the ground. Their bond goes back to William’s earliest days with Kate, when they were still university students. James Middleton shared in his book Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life that he gave William a bit of a challenge when they first met, wanting to be sure the young prince deserved his sister. Eventually, William became woven naturally into the rhythm of the Middleton family, especially during his time at Sandhurst, which was only a short drive from their home in Bucklebury.

Louis and the secret he almost could not keep