Carole Middleton: the quiet driving force keeping Kate and William's family together after their cancer diagnosis

A source close to the family revealed that Carole Middleton was the crucial link holding the Welsh together after Kate was diagnosed with cancer.

The mother-of-three has been praised for playing a vital role behind the scenes for the Prince and Princess of Wales during one of the most turbulent periods in the Royal Family in recent times.

A source close to Middleton said The Independent: “Carol was the driving force keeping the family together with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of humility.

“She picked up and picked up George, Louis and Charlotte, took them to school sports matches and gave them endless support. She was a true Mary Poppins-like character.

The source described Carroll, 69, who in 1987 founded Party Pieces, a company that sells children's party supplies, as providing the young family with “the three things.” “She came to the rescue, offered reassurance and was a rock for Catherine and William as they coped with the news,” they said.

The Independent She realizes that Carole has stepped up her maternal duties by taking her grandchildren – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – to school, and she, along with husband Michael, is immune to family politics and free to offer support where needed.

The source added: “Her actions stand in stark contrast to those who talk about support from afar.”

Although Carole is understood to have been among the first to learn of Kate's diagnosis, the Princess released a poignant video message on Friday in which she revealed to the public that she was undergoing preventive chemotherapy – sparking an outpouring of sympathy from around the world.

Prince Harry reportedly reached out from his home in California, while he and his wife, Meghan, offered words of support, saying: “We wish health and recovery to Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so in privacy and peace.”

Meanwhile, the king is said to be “proud” of his “beloved” daughter-in-law for her “bravery” in speaking out about her treatment, just a month after revealing his diagnosis.

Charles, whose cancer was discovered while being treated for an enlarged prostate, remained in close contact with her during their treatment.

With the head of state and future queen receiving treatment for unknown forms of cancer, the royal family faces an uncertain period – but the monarchy is expected to rally around those at the heart of the institution, with Carole providing a source of unwavering support. .

Kensington Palace said on Saturday that the princess was “deeply touched” by the messages of support pouring in.

Kate is said to be in a positive mindset about her recovery and in good spirits, describing herself as “doing well and getting stronger every day” as she requested privacy for her family during her recovery.

After tests following abdominal surgery in January came back positive for cancer, the princess and her husband chose to share the news once their children began the Easter school holidays to protect them from intense coverage of their mother's health.

The announcement went a long way to ending weeks of feverish speculation and conspiracy theories about the whereabouts and health of the 42-year-old, who has only been spotted in public three times since her surgery. In the first of three sightings near Windsor Castle in March, the princess was photographed driving with her mother.

Online rumors about Kate intensified after William, on very short notice, missed a memorial service for his godfather, the late Greek King Constantine, on February 27 due to a personal matter. It has now emerged that the prince withdrew from the event after his wife tested positive.

Further speculation was raised when the princess admitted to “editing” her family's official photo on Mother's Day after several international news agencies withdrew the photo.

Another development saw an investigation by the UK's privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner's Office, into allegations of attempts to access Kate's private medical records at the London clinic where she underwent surgery.

It is not known how long Kate will receive treatment, but it is understood that she may be keen to attend events when she feels able to, in line with medical advice, although this would not indicate a return to her full-time duties.

William will continue to balance supporting his wife and family with maintaining his official duties as he has done since her surgery.

The prince is due to return to public duties after his children return to school after the Easter holidays, but the Welsh children will not join other royals at the traditional Easter Mass at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.