Prince William and Kate Middleton are expected to take on more royal engagements this year with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping back from their royal duties. Amid this added pressure, there is apparently one stabilizing force who is giving strength to the Cambridge couple.
Royal author Phil Dampier said that Prince William is leaning on his mother-in-law, Carole Middleton, since Prince Harry and Meghan left. He reportedly opens up his feelings over Megxit to Carole.
The future King of England regards his wife's mother, who is described as a "Diana-type" mom, as his second parent. In the past, her nurturing and maternal side helped Prince William cope with losing Princess Diana as well.
Apparently, during Prince William and Kate's dating days nearly a decade ago, the second in line to the throne would often confide in Carole about the issues bothering him. He would reportedly lie on the Middleton family sofa with his head on Carole's lap.
Carole is helping Prince William stay grounded and down-to-earth, Dampier further said. After Prince William and Kate married, the Cambridge couple would often visit the Middletons in their home in Berkshire, while Carole herself is a frequent guest at the couple's homes in Kensington Palace and Anmer Hall.
It is her presence whom Kate seeks when she needs advice and comfort. Carole is also the one person they can rely on to look after the Cambridge children -- Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - if they are busy with their royal duties.
Dampier said that Carole is the "power behind the throne." Her influence over Prince William and Kate is deep and immense. With an expected stressful time ahead, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will need Carole even more.
In contrast, Dampier said that Prince Harry doesn't have such a maternal force in his life. This is something that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are missing out on because Meghan has a "splintered" relationship with her side of the family and her mother is based Los Angeles. Thus, Prince Harry doesn't have a relationship with his in-laws unlike Prince William.
Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, actually calls his son-in-law "whipped," alluding to observations that it's the former American TV actress who is calling the shots in their marriage. Thomas even challenged Prince Harry to man up and see him face-to-face. The 75-year-old said that he's not afraid to duel with the young prince.
