Carole Middleton should ignore the snobs – she is only doing what any professional would do

Helping redecorate her daughter the Duchess of Cambridge’s home, she was labelled ‘fussy’, writes Janet Street-Porter – give Carole a break!

Kate’s mum, a self-made woman, is seen in some circles as nouveau riche, an ‘arriviste’ (PA)

According to a feature in snooty magazine Tatler, Carole Middleton was exceedingly demanding when she helped with the redecoration of Amner Hall in Norfolk, home to her daughter Kate and Prince William.

Apparently she was “fussy” and “questioned everything”. Far from being difficult, Ms Middleton sounds like an excellent project manager, making sure the clients got what they wanted.

The truth is, posh snobs are constantly looking for a way to denigrate anyone not born into the “correct” class and Carole Middleton, a self-made woman who once served drinks on planes before starting her own successful party business, is seen in some circles as nouveau riche, an “arriviste”.

Her latest “crime” is to turn an unremarkable large country house into “something like a five star hotel ... very Buckinghamshire” – meaning it’s probably too tidy, has beige carpet instead of filthy fraying rugs, no dog poo in the hall and modern lighting instead of drooping standard lamps.

Kate and William seem to be doing a good job for royal PR during lockdown, even playing virtual bingo with residents in a Welsh care home this week. Isn’t it time to stop pretending anyone is interested in Carole Middleton’s taste in cushions?

Thankfully there’s no chance any Tatler snobs will be getting within five miles of my Norfolk home. Go Carole!