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FAMILY TIES

Kate Middleton’s family ‘were to blame for her 2007 split from Prince William’, royal expert claims

One royal editor thinks this was one of the reasons why the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge briefly separated

THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge might be living happily ever after now but like many couples, they've had their fair share of ups and downs.

In 2007, the pair split briefly for a couple of months - and according to a royal expert, Kate's family were one of the reasons why.

Kate and Will split for a couple of months in 2007
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Kate and Will split for a couple of months in 2007Credit: AP:Associated Press

In royal documentary, William & Kate: The Journey, which aired earlier this year, royal editor Duncan Larcombe suggested a reason why the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge split.

According to , Larcombe pointed to the Middletons as playing a role in the break-up, explaining that William's friends used to mock Kate's family background.

"One of the theories of mine is it was because of her family background," said Larcombe.

Although the palace denies this, Larcome revealed: "One or two people in William’s inner circle may have had that view."

One royal editor believes Kate's family played a part in the split, although this is denied by the palace
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One royal editor believes Kate's family played a part in the split, although this is denied by the palaceCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

According to Larcombe, William's friends used to poke fun at Kate's mother, Carole Middleton's former job as an air hostess.

“They used to say ‘doors to manual’ whenever they saw Kate Middleton," said Larcombe.

But despite Carole coming from a working-class background, the family were not exactly strapped for cash while Kate and siblings Pippa and James were growing up.

Kate, Pippa and James had a very comfortable upbringing
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Kate, Pippa and James had a very comfortable upbringingCredit: Handout - Getty

Much of Kate's wealth comes from her parents - Carole and Michael Middleton - who started their business, , while Carole was pregnant with Kate in 1981.

It's now said to be worth around £30million.

And while the Middleton fortune isn't quite up there with the Royal Family's (according to , they're said to be worth £88billion), it's still a hefty sum.

Kate and Will were married in 2011
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Kate and Will were married in 2011Credit: AFP

In fact, Kate, sister Pippa and brother James all went to expensive private schools - which in Kate's case was Marlborough College in Wiltshire, which now costs almost £38,000 per year.

Before moving into Kensington Palace with Prince William, 36, Kate resided in a flat in Chelsea, reportedly worth £1.2million.

Her parents are said to have bought her the luxurious apartment.

Earlier this week, we told you James Middleton hints Kate and William will skip Sandringham again after saying he’s looking forward to a ‘family Christmas’.

We also revealed Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will spend their engagement anniversary apart.

And we showed you Meghan Markle's unlikely friendship with Michael Buble – as he creates her a Christmas mixtape.

Meghan Markle joins The Queen and Duchess of Cambridge at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday but stands on different balcony
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