In the months leading up to Kate Middleton's abdominal surgery, the Princess of Wales and her husband, Prince William, were reportedly at odds due to her parents "living beyond their means," according to a bombshell report by RadarOnline. The financial strain allegedly caused by Carole and Michael Middleton's $3.2 million debt not only put pressure on the royal couple but also angered King Charles.
"King Charles was outraged this financial and public relations disaster is leaving egg on the monarchy's face since Kate is the future queen," an insider claimed in November 2023. The Middletons' financial woes, exacerbated by cost-of-living increases and the COVID-19 pandemic, forced them to sell off their party supplies firm to cover the staggering debt.
The $3.2 million debt reportedly included more than $265,000 to RBH bank, $1.7 million in unsecured loans, $552,900 to other creditors, and $743,000 in taxes. Tipsters alleged that the Middletons were spending foolishly "after their daughter married into the royal family - and their party store paid the price."
Business Times cannot independently verify this claim.
The ordeal was particularly difficult for the Middletons, as the business was a family effort. "Pippa wrote our 'Party Times' blog, James did the cakes when he first left school and Catherine developed our first birthday and baby category," Carole Middleton said about their business.
An insider claimed that the financial failure not only strained Kate's relationship with Prince William but also likely ended any talk of the Middletons receiving a royal title. "William embraced his wife's family as his own and looks like a fool," a palace insider told The Globe , while a company exec expressed feeling "betrayed."
This financial turmoil unfolded in the months leading up to Kate's abdominal surgery in January 2024, following which she has remained out of the public eye while recovering. Concerns about her health have been fueled in recent weeks, particularly after two Photoshop scandals involving images of the Princess.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Prince William has been outwardly keeping calm and carrying on with royal duties. On Thursday, the Prince of Wales, 41, opened a new youth zone called WEST in Hammersmith, west London, to highlight how sporting activity can help young people thrive, as reported by People magazine. The facility, run by OnSide, an organization both Prince William and Princess Kate have supported, serves as a testament to their belief that physical activity can help mental well-being and encourage young people to thrive.
During his visit, Prince William met with pupils from the local Ark White City primary school and WEST's Young People's Development Group, who were involved in planning the facilities in the new center. He also chatted with young people using the four-court indoor sports hall and visited the teaching kitchen, used to support the development of cooking skills.
Later on Thursday, Prince William will be the guest of honor at the Diana Award ceremony, marking the charity's 25th anniversary. He will hand out awards to 20 Legacy Award winners and deliver a speech at the glittering occasion, held at London's Science Museum.
Meanwhile, Princess Kate, who is recovering from her surgery, was last seen briefly on Monday when she was pictured in a car leaving Windsor with Prince William. She had a private appointment, according to PEOPLE. Hours later, the Princess of Wales issued a personal apology over the controversial Mother's Day image, which was pulled by multiple photo and news agencies amid suspicions of manipulation.
