Prince William choosing the Middletons over Windsors sending shockwaves through the Palace

Prince William is once again at the centre of royal speculation after fresh claims suggested he is relying more on the Middleton family than the Windsors, a move one royal commentator says has sent "shockwaves" through palace circles.

The claims were made by royal gossip columnist Rob Shuter, who said sources told him the Prince of Wales increasingly sees Princess Kate's family as his strongest support system.

According to Shuter, William's bond with the Middletons has only grown stronger in recent years.

"William's strongest support system is Catherine's close-knit family, who have become an indispensable part of his private life," an unnamed source reportedly said.

The comments come after Princess Kate recently completed the Three Peaks Challenge, where she was joined by members of her family. William was also seen celebrating the achievement alongside his in-laws, Michael and Carole Middleton, while Pippa and James Middleton have also remained closely involved with the Wales family.

Shuter went even further, claiming the Middletons now wield more influence over William than senior members of the royal family.

"My royal sources tell me the Middletons are now running the show. William would much rather take advice from the Middletons than his own family, the Windsors," he said.

He also suggested that William's reported disagreements with King Charles and other senior royals have contributed to the shift.

"When he becomes King, the royal court will no longer be run by the royal family advisers. It will be run by the Middletons, which might not be such a bad idea," Shuter added.

The claims have not been confirmed by Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, or King Charles III, and remain based on unnamed sources cited by the commentator.

Even so, the remarks have reignited online discussion over William's evolving relationship with the royal family and the increasingly prominent role the Middletons are believed to play behind the scenes.