Prince William and Kate Middleton have leaned on one person in particular for support in hard times. According to royal expert Jennie Bond, the Princess of Wales' mother, Carole Middleton, has been there for the couple and their three children over the past two years as Kate navigated her cancer battle. "She has been a tower of strength for William and Kate during the difficult days of her daughter's cancer treatment," the commentator told The Mirror. Carole Middleton and Kate Middleton attend the first day of Royal Ascot in 2017.