Kate Middleton’s mother shares rare glimpse into royal’s childhood

The Duchess of Cambridge’s mother has released a previously unseen photo of Kate as a young girl, giving a rare look into the future queen’s childhood.

Kate Middleton’s mother Carole has released a new photo of the Duchess of Cambridge’s humble childhood. Picture: AFP

Kate Middleton’s mother has given a rare glimpse of the future queen’s childhood.

Carole Middleton’s party planning business, Party Pieces, shared a throwback photo of the Duchess of Cambridge, then aged 7, along with Pippa and James Middleton, as children.

The black-and-white photo marked Carole’s 67th birthday.

“Happiest of Birthdays to the party planner extraordinaire! We hope you have the most magical day,” the Instagram post stated.

In the photo, taken in 1989, a young Kate is seen wearing a party hat and blowing a party whistle, posing with her siblings, Pippa, then aged 5, and James, who was two at the time.

Kate’s mother Carole – who previously worked for British Airways – founded Party Pieces in 1987, and turned it into a hugely successful business empire.

Kate Middleton’s mother has released a previously unseen photo of the royal as a young girl. Picture: AFP

Carole Middleton. Picture: Karwai Tang/WireImage

Kate Middleton, 7, far right, is seen celebrating alongside siblings Pippa and James and another child, in throwback photo shared by Carole Middleton's party planning business. Picture: Partypieces/Instagram

Now, the business employs around 40 staff and delivers around 4,000 orders a week, according to the Daily Mail.

Party Pieces – which has the slogan “making magical memories” – sells cake toppers, balloons and other party decorations, including streamers and centrepieces, as well as a range dubbed “Best of British”, which includes paper plates with the Union Jack on them.

“Get ready for the Platinum Jubilee and celebrate all things British with our range of red, blue and white party supplies,” the website states, referring to Queen Elizabeth’s 70th anniversary.

“Our Great Britain party supplies are ideal for any patriotic occasion. From Union Jack bunting to balloons and tableware, our Great Britain party decorations will add the perfect touch.”

Kate Middleton, centre, greeted her parents Carole and Michael Middleton at the Together at Christmas community carol service in London last December. Picture: Getty Images

It came days after the Duchess of Cambridge wore a pair of $18 earrings from British online retailer, ASOS, for a royal engagement in London.

She teamed the 20mm yellow gold-plated, twist hoops with a $670 animal print dress by Derek Lam, and had her hair out in loose waves.

She completed the outfit with a pair of Ralph Lauren boots.

Kate, 40, is known for re-wearing her designer outfits, and famously mixes fashion chains like Zara and H&M with luxury labels, spanning Alexander McQueen, D&G, and Erdem.