Carole and Michael Middleton have been a “vital part of the family this year”, according to royal expert Jennie Bond.
Although they are close to the Royal Family, the Prince and Princess of Wales are known to have always had a sweet bond with her family – including her parents, siblings and their families.
Ms Bond recently told OK!: “I think William and Catherine should be rightly proud of their brood and proud of themselves for guiding them through this incredibly difficult year.
“I think a shout-out should also go to Carole and Michael Middleton, who have undoubtedly been a vital part of the family this year, both practically and emotionally.”
Speaking of Carole and Michael, she added: “I’m sure William and Catherine leant on them very hard during their darkest days.”
According to Ms Bond, the couple’s children have also showed just how much the family has ensured over the past 12 months.
Speaking of Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and six-year-old Prince Louis, she said: “William and Catherine have been quite generous this year in allowing their children to be seen in public. It can’t be easy for young people to face cameras, crowds and scrutiny, and the natural instinct of parents is to protect their children from too much attention.
“But we saw them at Trooping the Colour and of course in the very personal video released by Catherine to mark the end of her chemotherapy, plus the carol service and Christmas walkabout. And they seem to change as every month goes by.”
Praising the family, she added: “A year like they have just endured must, as William said, have been brutal for the entire family.
“But it seems clear that they have pulled together as a unit and they look very much in harmony and delighted to be out and about together again.”
The Princess of Wales revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer back in March, with her diagnosis meaning she took a step back from public duty.
As his wife stepped back, Prince William also took some time away to care for their children during the family’s “brutal” year.
