Two weeks after Christmas and Wills is still with the in-laws stuck
HER husband, Labour MP Simon Danczuk, was recently seen drinking with Ukip leader Nigel Farage, sparking rumours of a defection. Now Labour councillor Karen Danczuk, better known for posting cleavage-baring pictures of herself online, is airing her views on immigration: ‘Many are scared to say it but we’re a small country being stretched to its limits and clearly can’t cope. No doubt [I’ll] be accused of being racist. You mention immigration and you’re either racist or Ukip. It’s no wonder people are too scared to speak out!’ Farage would surely be thrilled to bring curvy Karen into the fold.
So greatly have Prince William’s in-laws become part of the regal furniture that the royal Family’s recent festive celebrations at Sandringham were described as a ‘very Middleton’ Christmas.
Not only did William invite Carole and Michael to join ‘the firm’ at church on Christmas morning, he also broke with convention by hosting a lunch for them at anmer Hall, his new home on the estate, rather than eat with the Queen.
What’s more, Kate’s parents were then said to have joined the royals on a pheasant shoot two days later.
Now further hints emerge of just how central the Middletons have become to the future King’s life. For as Kate celebrates her 33rd birthday today, it is thought that rather than return home to their Bucklebury manor house after Christmas, Carole and Michael have emulated the Queen by remaining ‘in residence’ in Norfolk.
Kate, who is six months pregnant, would certainly welcome t he company. as I recently noted, William is busy mugging up on revision for his air transport Pilot’s licence, which
requires him to sit a total of 14 desk exams.
And while most husbands try to squeeze the in-laws out of the door on Boxing Day, friends of William say he enjoys the warmth of a family envi- ronment, contrasting the homeliness of the Middletons’ kitchen suppers in Berkshire to his own stiff upbringing.
‘Kate’s got a very, very close family,’ he once commented. ‘Mike and Carole have been really loving and caring and fun. They have been welcoming towards me so I’ve felt a part of the family.’
However, if the novelty does begin to wear off, William may get some respite in the weeks ahead. Later this month, Carole celebrates her milestone 60th birthday, and it is thought the Middletons may take their annual trip to Mustique. Last year, Kate and baby George joined her family in the Caribbean while William continued his agriculture course at Cambridge University.