carole

The Duchess of Cambridge helps out family business aged seven: see the photo

TV & Film Editor
January 14, 2017

An adorable photo of the Duchess of Cambridge aged seven with her mum Carole Middleton, brother James and sister Pippa has been shared to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Middleton family's company, Party Pieces.

In the black-and-white photo, which was taken just two years after Carole Middleton set up the business in 1989, Kate can be seen to the right of her smiling mum wearing a jumper and a party hat while playing with a party blowout. Her sister Pippa is stood behind their mum while James can just be seen on Carole's left wearing a turtle-patterned jumper and a party hat to match his sisters. 

Carole with her three children and their family friend

Carole has previously opened up about setting up the company shortly after returning from Jordan, where she and her husband Michael had worked for British Airways. In an online blog, she said: "We decided it was time to return for Catherine's schooling. There was very little partyware available on the high street, and finding the simplest of things was a real challenge. I produced a flyer which I circulated in playgroups and very soon I was using our garden shed as a packing room and office." Prince William and Kate are reportedly planning to make their own move for their son Prince George's schooling this year by returning to London from Norfolk permanently. The little Prince is expected to attend Wetherby School, the same pre-preparatory school as his dad and uncle, Prince Harry. Ken Wharfe, who was Prince William's bodyguard when the Prince went to Wetherby school, spoke to HELLO! about whether Prince George would attend the school, saying: "They were certainly very happy times for William and of course his brother."

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best royal coverage

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Royalty

See more