The Truth About The Queen's Relationship With Kate Middleton's Parents

Prince William's wife, Kate Middleton, is believed to enjoy a strong bond with Queen Elizabeth II. Middleton first joined the royal family in April of 2011 when she married the queen's grandson, the Duke of Cambridge, in Westminster Abbey. Since Middleton became the Duchess of Cambridge, she has made many appearances with the queen, during which the pair can be seen smiling and laughing.

Speaking to OK! (via Marie Claire), royal expert Duncan Larcombe shared that Middleton and the queen have a "fantastic relationship." Middleton can reportedly has a direct line to speak to the queen which she often uses to provide updates on her children and presumably seek advice. Larcombe also added, "Kate strikes that balance between bowing to her as head of the royal family in public but being able to check in with her as the great-grandmother to her children." Considering Middleton was able to form a good connection with her majesty, many followers of the royal family often wonder how Middleton's parents fare with the queen.

When Prince William and Kate Middleton's engagement was announced, the queen had some concerns about the impending union. She was afraid that Middleton might end up feeling lonely like Princess Diana once did and wanted to combat this by making Middleton's relatives part of the royal family.

To kickstart this process, the queen invited Middleton's parents, Carole and Michael, to Windsor Castle to enjoy lunch with her and Prince Phillip, according to Express. The quartet was accompanied by some household staff for the hour and a half lunch. A senior royal reported, "It was a lovely lunch, very warm with lots of laughter and I think helped put everyone at ease."

Since that initial meeting, the queen has continued to invite Middleton's family to even more intimate gatherings, including Christmas festivities and church services. In 2016, Queen Elizabeth even broke royal protocol and invited Middleton's parents to stay with her at Balmoral Castle, driving them around the property in her Range Rover, according to Hello! magazine. Royal correspondent Emily Nash said, "I think there is a genuine affection towards Kate and her family. William loves them and clearly wants them to be very much a part of his family life with George and Charlotte, and his grandmother clearly appreciates this."