Prince William and Kate Middleton Were Connected Years Before They Were Even Born Because of Prince Philip
Prince William and Kate Middleton met in 2001 when they attended St. Andrew’s University in Scotland. Ten years later, the pair walked down the aisle and today have three children. But long before they became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge their families were connected through their grandparents.
Here’s how more on the relationship between William’s late grandfather, Prince Philip, and Kate’s late grandfather, Peter Middleton.
Who was Kate Middleton’s grandfather Peter Middleton?
Captain Peter Francis Middleton was Kate’s paternal grandfather. He married the duchess’s grandmother, Valerie Glassborow, in 1946 and they had three children four sons — Simon, Nicholas, Richard, and Kate’s father Michael.
Valerie worked at the Government Code and Cypher School. Peter was a pilot who served as a RAF fighter pilot during the Second World War. He later flew alongside Prince Philip as co-pilot on a tour 50 years before their grandchildren got married.
Peter accompanied Prince Philip on dozens of trips
In 1962, Peter accompanied Philip on his two-month royal flying tour of South America. In all, Captain Middleton co-piloted with the Duke of Edinburgh on 49 flights.
The Times of London noted that Peter was also the recipient of some special gifts from the Philip, including a pair of gold cuff-links.
Another connection is that years before she met William, Kate took part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Kate revealed that during a 2016 documentary celebrating the 60th anniversary of the award. “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is such a great way for young people to grow in confidence, learn new skills, work as part of a team and have great fun along the way,” Kate said (per Hello!) “While getting my Gold Award was challenging at times, it is one of my most memorable experiences from growing up, and I could not recommend it more highly.”
Peter died before William and Kate’s royal wedding
Will and Kate tied the knot on April 29, 2011, but Peter did not get to see his granddaughter and the future king’s nuptials. Peter died on Nov. 2, 2010, just months before the royal wedding and weeks before the couple announced their engagement. He was 90.
According to his obituary: “Peter Francis died peacefully at home on 2nd November after a short illness … Devoted husband of the late Valerie, father of four, grandfather of five, aviator, transatlantic sailor and long-time resident of Vernham Dean. Will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.”
Prince Philip died 10 years after the Cambridge’s royal wedding on April 9, 2021, two months shy of what would have been his 100th birthday.
At the time of his death the palace released a statement that read: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”
