The ‘picnic etiquette’ of Carole Middleton has illuminated the social divide between Kate Middleton’s family and that of Prince William, according to a royal expert. The contrast between Kate’s middle-class roots and William’s aristocratic background was further highlighted by the way her mother, Carole, conducted herself during social events.
Kate Middleton and her family, including her sister Pippa and mother Carole, were often the subject of public and media scrutiny as Kate prepared to officially join the Royal Family through her marriage to Prince William. Their long-standing relationship, which began while they were both students at St Andrew’s University, drew considerable attention to their differing social backgrounds.
Kate’s upbringing was in a relatively modest, middle-class environment. Despite her parents Carole and Michael Middleton creating their own financial success, Kate and her siblings—Pippa and James—enjoyed a privileged lifestyle, attending prestigious private schools and growing up in the charming village of Bucklebury. Even so, this background was distinctly different from that of the British aristocracy.
Royal expert Katie Nicholl, who discussed these nuances on Vanity Fair’s Dynasty podcast in 2022, suggested that the Middletons’ picnic practices subtly revealed their social standing. Nicholl explained that the Middletons’ approach to picnics contrasted starkly with that of the aristocracy. They would arrive at social gatherings in a gleaming, newly polished Land Rover and bring a brand-new Fortnum & Mason picnic hamper, complete with all the trimmings associated with an upper-class picnic. In contrast, the aristocracy would often appear in less pristine vehicles, carrying well-worn blankets and simple fare like hard-boiled eggs rather than gourmet treats.
Nicholl pointed out that in British society, the way one handles a picnic is indicative of social class. Carole Middleton, she said, took great care in presenting an elaborate spread, complete with beautiful linen tablecloths and silver cutlery. This level of preparation was often seen as a marker of effort, while true aristocrats might consider such meticulousness unnecessary. The Middletons’ attention to detail thus highlighted their outsider status in the upper echelons of British society.
The expert further noted that this social divide was more pronounced among the upper classes, where the Middletons’ efforts were sometimes viewed with a degree of snobbery. Although many working-class and middle-class people admired the Middletons for their aspirational qualities, they were occasionally subject to disdain from the aristocracy. Nicholl suggested that William’s friends often whispered condescendingly about Kate and her family, revealing the underlying class prejudices.
Despite these criticisms, Kate Middleton reportedly chose to ignore such snubs and did not respond to the disparaging comments about her family’s background. Her approach to these social challenges seemed to reflect a determined resilience and a refusal to engage with the negativity directed at her.
