The 66-year-old, who runs a party supply company called Party Pieces, took part in an interview with Good Housekeeping in January and will feature on the front-page of the April edition.

But she has asked the publishers not to promote it, worrying it would be ‘insensitive’ towards Prince Phillip while he remains in hospital.

The Duke of Edinburgh, 99, is currently at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London after being transferred for heart condition treatment.

He has undergone successful heart surgery and the Palace said the duke will remain in hospital for ‘treatment, rest and recuperation’ for a number of days. He’s already now spent 16 nights in hospital – his longest ever stay.

Under lockdown restrictions the Queen is unable to visit him but Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, says his condition is improving.

Carole’s decision to avoid the spotlight comes amid controversy over the upcoming release of Oprah Winfrey’s interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that is set to air in the UK on Monday night.

The couple has confirmed that the interview would still air despite news breaking of Prince Philip’s surgery this afternoon.

The Duke of Edinburgh is currently at St Bart’s Hospital in London after undergoing successful heart surgery

Kate Middleton (right) with her mum Carole Middleton (centre) and sister Pippa

Carole Middleton has done an interview with Good Housekeeping

Senior royal sources claim the family is ‘pretty appalled’ by the idea of the ‘tell-all’ interview being broadcast while Philip is in hospital.

A source told the Sun: ‘She [Carole] didn’t want to turn any news into a media circus because she is so respectful and sensitive to Catherine, and the royal family.

‘She always gets William’s go-ahead before any interview like this, and he is incredibly supportive.

The upcoming release of Oprah Winfrey’s interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is causing controversy

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has said Prince Philip’s condition is ‘slightly improving’

‘But the more the PR machine rolled out in Los Angeles with Meghan and Harry, the more sensitive Carole became.

‘She decided she didn’t want to do any PR for the interview – even if it cost her thousands in potential lost marketing.’