Prince William May Grant Kate Middleton’s Parents, Carole and Michael, Royal Titles When He’s King
Prince William and Kate Middleton have taken up more royal duties in recent months in light of King Charles's ailing health. When William is King, Kate's powers will also increase immensely within the state. Several members of the royal family will undergo a change in their titles, but it remains to be seen whether Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, will also be bestowed with royal titles, given their close bond with William.
Reports have previously claimed that Carole and Michael are unlikely to get titles, despite being part of the royal circle for decades, and their influence on how the Prince and Princess of Wales are raising their three children. Having not been an aristocratic family, Carole and Michael are unlikely to receive such an honor. The titles of Earls, Dukes, and Ladies could only be passed down through generations, but the reigning monarch is still capable of making exceptions. Therefore, if William is willing, he may bestow his in-laws with new positions in the monarchy. According to the Daily Mail, some calls were previously made by English business tycoon Sir John Madejski for the future monarch to consider Carole and Michael for coveted titles. In 2014, he said, “They [Carole and Michael] should be the Earl and Countess of Bucklebury. They deserve it. They are great people and really good role models.” Even if William weren't to consider them, Carole could still become one of the official ‘companions’ of her daughter when she is Queen Consort.
As for William's relationship with his in-laws, he is known to really cherish spending time with the Middletons, as they are a traditional bunch, much different than the unconventional family setup he grew up in. In his engagement interview with Kate, William once shared how his in-laws love and adore him, and, over time, he has reciprocated the same. He is aware of his responsibilities toward the Middleton family and ensures he fulfills his duties as son-in-law. Royal experts have claimed he also has a positive influence on them.
While Carole and Michael may not be considered for a relevant position in the monarchy, chances are Kate, as the future Queen, would keep her younger sister, Pippa Middleton, close. According to Tyla, the Princess of Wales, when Queen, may make Pippa her official ‘Lady in Waiting.’ The 40-year-old would be the perfect person for the role, as she is known to be her sister's biggest confidant. The title of a ‘Lady in Waiting’ is typically given to women of the royal court and has remained in the family since the 9th century. The woman bestowed with it is considered a close companion of the Queen. In fact, a Queen can have more than one Lady in Waiting.