Princess Kate gears up for big family party - how they might celebrate

princess kate smiling in camel coat
(Getty Images)

The Middleton family are preparing for a huge family celebration on Friday – Carole's milestone 70th birthday.

Whilst it's not known how Carole and her family intend to mark the special occasion, the Middleton's will no doubt pull out all the stops. It's likely to be a family affair with Carole's husband, Michael, in attendance, as well as their three children the Princess of Wales, James, and Pippaand their respective families.

Carole Middleton in cobalt dress and headband
Carole is celebrating her 70th on Friday (Getty Images)

For Carole and her family, birthday celebrations have always held huge significance. Kate's mother used to run a party accessories business called Party Pieces which was first launched back in 1987 from their home in Berkshire.

The mother-of-three previously told Sheer Luxe of her children's involvement with the business. "Party Pieces has literally grown alongside my family, and I'm very proud of that," she said.

Kate and her parents sharing a giggle at Sandhurst
The Middleton family share a close bond (Getty Images)

"Pippa wrote our 'Party Times' blog, James did the cakes when he first left school, and Catherine developed our first birthday and baby category."

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Both Princess Kate and her sister Pippa have inherited their mother's passion for throwing parties, with royal mum Kate frequently baking cakes for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and Pippa writing Celebrate – a book about party-planning.

During the 2019 edition of Mary Berry's A Berry Royal Christmas, Kate revealed she "stays up until midnight" to make her children's birthday cakes – something that has now become quite the tradition in their household.

woman looking at tall cake with cycling design
The Princess of Wales is a huge fan of baking (Getty Images)

If these past traditions are anything to go by, we imagine that the mother-of-three will be on hand this week to help whip up a sweet birthday treat for her mother.

And if they decide to remain on UK soil, we don't doubt that the Middletons will organise a family celebration at their sprawling rural retreat – Bucklebury Manor. Their idyllic countryside home boasts several bedrooms, five reception rooms, as well as a swimming pool and a tennis court.

Carole's previous celebrations

For her milestone 60th in 2015, Carole travelled to the Caribbean Island of Mustique where she reportedly celebrated with pink fizz, a dazzling firework display and music performances from a jazz band.

Michael Middleton in a suit and Carole Middleton in a white jacket and cream hat
Carole shares three children with her husband Michael (Getty Images)

In 2019, the Middleton's celebrated Carole's 64th in London at her daughter Pippa's Chelsea pad. The family soiree was also attended by Pippa's husband James Matthews, as well as James Middleton and his now-wife, Alizee Thevenet.

Last year, Carole's birthday was likely more subdued owing to Kate's planned abdominal surgery which took place in January. At the time, the palace said: "Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

Carole Middleton standing with Kate Middleton
Kate will no doubt be on hand to help with family celebrations (Getty Images)

In March that year, Kate revealed that she had been diagnosed with cancer. She announced she had completed chemotherapy treatment last autumn and shared her "relief" earlier this year when she confirmed that she's in remission.

While it's been a tough year for the Middleton clan, we anticipate that Kate's positive health news will enable the family-of-five to celebrate with even more vigour on Friday. Roll on the celebrations!

Keep scrolling to see some of Carole's best moments since entering the spotlight...

Carole Middleton in a blue coat dress and her husband Michael in a suit at the royal wedding
Carole Middleton in a blue coat dress and her husband Michael in a suit at the royal wedding

Royal wedding

Carole was a vision in baby blue as she and her husband Michael attended their daughter Princess Kate's 2011 royal wedding.

Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton were the first to visit Kate and baby George at The Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital on July 23, 2013
Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton were the first to visit Kate and baby George at The Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital on July 23, 2013

Family expansion

Carole and Michael were the first to visit Kate and baby George at The Lindo Wing. 

Carole Middleton smiles at Prince George as they leave the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate after the Christening of Princess Charlotte on July 5, 2015
Carole Middleton smiles at Prince George as they leave the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate after the Christening of Princess Charlotte on July 5, 2015

Charlotte's Christening

Carole looked every inch the proud grandmother as she attended Princess Charlotte's Christening in July 2015.

The then-Duchess of Cambridge, holding Charlotte's hand whilst parents Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton follow closely behind after attending Church on Christmas Day on December 25, 2016
The then-Duchess of Cambridge, holding Charlotte's hand whilst parents Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton follow closely behind after attending Church on Christmas Day on December 25, 2016

Christmas cheer

It was a family affair in 2016 when the Middletons attened a Christmas Day service in Bucklebury.

Kate is incredibly close with her parents and siblings, who will no doubt help her during her lengthy recovery
Kate is incredibly close with her parents and siblings, who will no doubt help her during her lengthy recovery

Royal Wedding no.2

Their was an air of celebration in 2018 when the Middleton reunited to attend the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Carole and Michael Middleton at Royal Ascot
Carole and Michael Middleton at Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot

Carole appeared in high spirits in June last year as she attended Royal Ascot alongside members of the royal family.