Michael Middleton, father of Kate, the Princess of Wales, who became grandfather to a future king

It’s been quite a transformation for the Middleton family – from the aspirational middle class to the fringes of royalty.

The parents of Catherine, Princess of Wales, took their place at Westminster Abbey for King Charles’s coronation, along with Pippa Matthews and James Middleton in May.

More importantly, they continue to play an important family role in the lives of their grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

But if it’s Carole and Pippa that grab the attention – Carole certainly did that with a sapphire dress at the Abbey – and grab the attention, then the smiling figure of Michael Middleton, Catherine’s father, plays a vital role.

Michael, who turns 74 today, can often be seen in the background. But he has been a calming presence during, first, his daughter’s long courtship and then marriage to Prince William.

Carole, looking elegant in sapphire, and Michael Middleton at the coronation

Michael cuts a dignified figure when he gives away his daughter, Kate, at her wedding in 2011

Part of the family: The Middletons seem to have taken on their new royal role with ease. Pictured from right to left, back row: Pippa, James, Carole and Michael

Michael Middleton celebrates his birthday on this day, June 23, and was born in 1949 in Leeds.

Raised by parents Captain Peter Middleton and Valerie Glassborow, it was a family with aristocratic antecedents.

In the early twentieth century, the Middleton family had worked closely with members of the British royal family.

Both his parents served during the Second World War, his mother was a code breaker and volunteer nurse and his father was a pilot in the Royal Air Force.

While on duty, Peter had once flown with Prince Philip as a co-pilot on a two-month plane trip across South America in 1962.

Like his father and grandfather, Michael attended Clifton College, a boarding school in Bristol, before going on to study and graduate from the University of Surrey.

Originally intending to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a pilot, Michael studied at British European Airways flight school before deciding to join the ground crew.

He then went on to work for British Airways as a flight coordinator, where he met his future wife, Carole Goldsmith.

Michael and Carole were married on June 21, 1980 at the Church of St James in Buckinghamshire.

While working for British Airways as a flight coordinator, he met future wife, Carole Goldsmith

Two years later, in 1982, they welcomed their first child, Catherine Middleton, the future Princess of Wales. Their second daughter, Philippa, followed in 1983.

Michael moved with his family to Amman, Jordan from May 1984 to September 1986 for work. Returning to England in 1987, the couple welcomed their youngest child, James.

Carole founded Party Pieces in 1987, a company that sells party items and decorations. By the 1990s it had expanded into a mail-order business and was run by both Carole and Michael.

During this time business boomed and in 2012 they moved into a Tudor style country house in Bucklebury, Berkshire.

Michael and Carole welcomed their first child, Catherine, in 1982

A heartwarming family photo of Michael and his daughter Kate Middleton as a baby

Catherine Middleton, age four, with her father and sister Pippa in Jerash, Jordan

Pippa, Michael and Carole Middleton leave after a carol service at Westminster Abbey in 2021

Since becoming grandparents to Kate and William’s three children, George, Charlotte and Louis, Michael and Carole have played an even bigger role in the life of the royals.

William refused to let them be treated as non-royal in-laws had done in the past and rarely received invitations. Even the late Queen was delighted and warm to the Middletons’ hard-working ambitious values.

Michael and Carole were invited to Balmoral, at Royal Ascot, at Sandringham, where they were guests on Christmas Day, and most recently at King Charles’ coronation.

Unlike previous generations, it is clear that the Middletons will be active participants in Welsh life.