Kate Middleton's parents to take family business to America

Kate Middleton's parents have set their sights on New York as they expand their family business. Michael and Carole Middleton, who own party planning website 'Party Pieces', are looking to expand their business to the Big Apple, according to new reports.

The proud grandparents-to-be have seen huge interest from America, and the couple believe New York will be able to offer them a "good starting point", a source told the New York Daily News. The Duchess of Cambridge's sister Pippa, who gained worldwide interest after her sister's wedding to Prince William, has reportedly been helping her parents find the perfect location, as she is more familiar with New York. Party Pieces, set up by Carole Middleton in 1987, sells party essentials such as decorations, fancy-dress costumes and gift-bag fillers. The website most recently launched a One Direction range which includes party cups, napkins and heart-shaped balloons of the boyband. Carole and Michael watched on proudly as their daughter Kate married Prince William in 2011 in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Ever since the wedding, the Middletons have remained close to Kate and their son-in-law and the family have enjoyed several family breaks together.

The couple have been careful not to use their daughter's marriage to the future King to gain business. "The Middletons have been extremely careful not to upset Buckingham Palace by seemingly trading off Kate’s link to royalty," the source added. Carole and Michael have impressed the Queen so much that the 86-year-old monarch invited the couple to join them at Royal Ascot last year arriving with the royal procession. Carole was later spotted sharing a joke with Prince Philip. With just under 8 weeks to go until the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first child, Carole has been supporting Kate as she prepares for motherhood. The mother and daughter were spotted in an exclusive baby boutique last month, the two spent over an hour look at the baby goodies before leaving with a moses basket.