Coat of arms granted to Michael Francis Middleton (the father of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge) on 19 April 2011, as the armigerous head of the family
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Ethnicity | English |
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Current region | Bucklebury, West Berkshire, England |
Earlier spellings | Middeltone, Mideltuna, Middeltune |
Place of origin | United Kingdom |
Members |
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge Michael Francis Middleton Carole Elizabeth Middleton Philippa Charlotte Middleton James William Middleton Captain Peter Middleton |
Connected families | Lupton, Goldsmith, British Royal Family |
Members of the Middleton family have been related to the British Royal Family since the marriage of Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Middleton to Prince William in April 2011. Upon the union, she became Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
By the early 19th century, the Middleton family had established themselves in Yorkshire as cultural and civic figures of some importance, particularly in the legal profession. The law firm, Messrs Middleton and Sons, had been founded in Leeds by solicitor William Middleton, Esq. of Gledhow Grange Estate. The family firm existed for over 150 years, closing in 1985.
Notable descendants of William Middleton include solicitor Richard Noel Middleton, who founded the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, the entrepreneur Michael Francis Middleton, and Michael's three children; Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (née "Kate" Middleton), socialite and columnist Pippa Middleton, and businessman James William Middleton.
Other noted descendants of William Middleton are Captain Peter Middleton, who was Prince Philip's co-pilot, and solicitor Henry Dubs Middleton, chairman of the Leeds General Infirmary and the son-in-law of Sir Henry Hanson Berney, 9th Baronet. The Middleton family were reported as being "members of the " and "friends of British royalty" to whom they have "played host as far back as 1926".
Michael Middleton is the father of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Michael's family has both wealth and ties to British . His great great grandfather was solicitor and gentleman farmer William Middleton, Esq. (1807–1884), of Gledhow Grange Estate, near Leeds. Michael Middleton's family were reported as having entertained British royalty in Leeds since the 1920s. It was reported that shortly before his daughter Catherine's royal wedding to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, in April 2011, a "coat of arms was granted to Michael Francis Middleton, the armigerous head of the family".