Michael Middleton’s visit to Royal Ascot with his wife Carole last week reassured the nation that their daughter Kate is doing well amidst her cancer treatment. Today, as he turns 75, Michael reflects on a challenging year for his family and the royals.

The Princess of Wales and Prince William have heavily relied on Michael and Carole since her diagnosis, which followed King Charles’ own battle with cancer. Despite these hardships, last October brought joy when their son James welcomed baby Inigo with his wife Alizee Thevenet.

Michael, born in Leeds in 1949, was raised by Captain Peter Middleton and Valerie Glassborow, who both served in WWII. Peter was a RAF pilot, and Valerie was a code breaker and volunteer nurse. Michael attended Clifton College and graduated from the University of Surrey, initially training to be a pilot before becoming a flight dispatcher at British Airways, where he met Carole Goldsmith. They married in 1980 and have three children: Catherine, Philippa (Pippa), and James.

The family lived in Jordan from 1984 to 1986 before settling in Berkshire. In 2012, Michael and Carole moved to a Tudor-style manor in Bucklebury. Carole’s party supply business, Party Pieces, started in 1987 but eventually went bankrupt.

Since becoming grandparents, Michael and Carole have been integral to the lives of Kate and William’s children—George, Charlotte, and Louis. William, ensuring they were not treated as mere in-laws, included them in royal events and holidays, fostering a close bond.

William’s affection for the Middletons was evident at Royal Ascot, where he warmly greeted Carole and Michael, who made their first public appearance since Kate’s diagnosis. William’s bond with the Middletons has provided stability and support for his family, highlighted by his regular visits and holidays with them.