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”.