Kate's mother Carole Middleton hailed as royal's 'rock' after a challenging year

Kate Middleton's mother Carole celebrated her 70th birthday on January 31, capping off what has been a difficult 12 months for her family.

The Princess of Wales underwent abdominal surgery in January 2024 and cancer treatment for the remainder of the year, with her mother steadfastly by her side.

Royal author Ingrid Seward says Carole has been her daughter's "rock" throughout this time and describes the matriarch as a woman of "strength".

READ MORE: Melania a 'different person than she was eight years ago', staffer says

"Carole has always been a rock for Kate, especially this past year," Seward told HELLO!

"I imagine her as a sort of pioneer woman driving a wagon with a rifle at her feet, and three children in the back, fighting off any enemy.

"Basically, that's what she's been doing all her life, isn't it?"

READ MORE: Kayne describes wife's naked stunt as 'custom couture'

Carole has supported her daughter throughout her relationship with Prince William, including during the more challenging times and in particular during this past year.

Carole and Michael Middleton are parents to Kate, 43, Pippa, 41, and James, 37. They also reportedly have a close bond with Prince William.

The Princess of Wales visited the hospital where she received her treatment earlier this month, London's Royal Marsden Hospital near Kensington Palace.

"I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to the Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year," Kate said in a message shared on social media.

"My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn't have asked for more.

"The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional."

For the first time, Kate referred to herself as in "remission", describing the health status as "a relief" and promising to remain focused on recovery.

"As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal," she wrote.

"I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."

The royal first spoke of completing cancer treatment in a video released in September.

The video featured the Prince and Princess of Wales, their three children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, and even featured a brief glimpse of Carole Middleton.

It was during a brief snippet inside the couple's home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk, that Carole and Michael Middleton can be seen sitting at a dining table playing a game of cards with the family.

Royal expert Katie Nicholl previously spoke about how much Catherine's parents and sister Pippa had helped out during her cancer battle.

"Certainly, in recent months, when Kate has really drawn on the support of her family and she's needed her sister to take the kids out, to help William, she's needed her mum there to cook and for Michael to take them off to the beach or whatever it might be that they're doing, and she has the most incredible support network in the Middleton family," Nicholl said in an episode of her podcast, Dynasty: The Royal Family's Most Challenging Year.

"They've been an anchor for her, more so now than ever before."

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.