Carol Middleton, the mother of Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is preparing to step away from Party Pieces, the family business that has brought her great success.

Alongside her husband, Michael Middleton, they have transformed their small kitchen table enterprise into a thriving empire, specializing in party wear and decorations.

Now, after years of hard work, they have decided that the time has come to retire and are planning to sell the company to investors who will carry on the brand.

With six grandchildren and their daughter Catherine and son-in-law Prince William busier than ever with official duties, Carol believes this is the perfect moment to move on.

It’s the end of an era as Carol Middleton, the beloved mother of the Princess of Wales, bids farewell to the family’s party wear business.

While this news brings mixed emotions, we can’t help but anticipate what lies ahead for Carol, Michael, and their brood.

The journey for the Middletons has been nothing short of remarkable.

What began as a modest idea by Carol while she was pregnant with her son James in 1987, has blossomed into an iconic party wear empire that has become synonymous with British celebrations.

Party Pieces even had the honor of supplying items for the upcoming coronation of King Charles III, providing a final flourish of business before Carol and Michael officially retire.

However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.

Like many businesses, Party Pieces faced challenges during the pandemic, including difficult trading conditions and rising costs.

In October of last year, the company reported a loss of £285,506 in 2021, resulting in a total deficit of £1.35 million.

Yet, it is important to remember that Party Pieces is a true family affair.

All three of the Middleton children have worked for the company at some point, showcasing the family’s strong work ethic and commitment.

We have no doubt that Carol and Michael will now dedicate their newfound free time to spoiling their grandchildren, including George IX, Charlotte VII, and Louis IV, the children of Catherine and Prince William.

The move to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Estate, closer to the Middleton family in Berkshire, has allowed Carol to become an even more integral part of Catherine’s life.

In addition to her grandchildren through Catherine and William, Carol and Michael also have three other grandchildren from their daughter Pippa and her husband James Matthews: Arthur IV, Grace II, and baby Rose.

The close proximity of their families, with Pippa’s clan recently settling in the same Berkshire village, further strengthens the bond between them.

While Party Pieces’ offices are located at a nearby farm in Ash Hampstead, Carol’s heart remains in Bucklebury, where the family’s beautiful Grade II listed manor house stands.

The decision to retire is undoubtedly influenced by Carol’s desire to spend more quality time with her cherished grandchildren.

While we will miss Party Pieces, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter for the Middleton family.

With their entrepreneurial spirit and strong familial ties, we have no doubt that they will thrive.

They have weathered storms far greater than a challenging year in business, and who knows, perhaps Carol and Michael will embark on a new venture or explore the world during their retirement.

Whatever path they choose, we can be certain that it will be approached with the same grace and elegance that Catherine has exemplified throughout the years.

So here’s to the end of an era and the exciting new adventures that lie ahead for the Middleton family.

Cheers to you, Carol and Michael!