Queen Elizabeth Helped Kate Middleton Feel ‘At Home’ in Royal Life, Say Experts
When Kate Middleton joined the Royal Family, she faced the daunting task of adapting to her new role and responsibilities. Fortunately, she had the guidance of Queen Elizabeth II, one of the monarchy’s most experienced figures. By the time of Kate and Prince William’s wedding in 2011, the Queen had already reigned for nearly six decades, successfully steering the institution through numerous challenges. Understanding the difficulties newcomers often face when integrating into the Royal Family, the Queen extended significant support to Kate, making her transition smoother.
Royal experts have highlighted the Queen’s efforts to help Kate feel comfortable and “at home” within the monarchy. In the Channel 5 documentary Kate and the Queen: A Special Relationship, royal correspondent Simon Vigar emphasized the late Queen’s dedication. “The Queen was perfectly aware of how daunting it was for an outsider to join the Royal Family, so they would have had their techniques of making someone look at home,” Vigar explained, via the Mirror.
Other experts featured in the documentary echoed these sentiments. India McTaggart of The Telegraph noted, “Catherine has said the Queen was very supportive of her as she was undertaking her first engagements without William. I think she influenced her by showing her by example.” The Queen’s mentorship extended beyond mere advice, offering Kate the chance to observe and learn firsthand.
In a documentary celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday in 2016, Kate shared her own experiences, recounting the support she received during her early days as a royal. She particularly recalled the Queen’s accompaniment during her first solo engagements. With Prince William occupied with other duties, Kate felt nervous about her visit to Leicester. However, having the Queen by her side provided her with a much-needed confidence boost.
“The most memorable engagement for me, I suppose, was an away day to Leicester, and I went without William, so I was rather apprehensive about that,” Kate admitted. She also acknowledged the Queen’s expertise, saying, “I think there is a real art to walkabouts, everyone teases me in the family that I spend far too long chatting, so I think I’ve still got to learn a little bit more and pick up a few more tips, I suppose.”
Reflecting on the Queen’s support, Kate expressed her gratitude: “The fact she took the time to make sure that I was happy and looked after for that particular occasion, which probably in everything that she’s doing is a very small element, just shows how caring she is, really.” These moments highlight the Queen’s nurturing role and the bond she shared with Kate, ensuring her confidence as she navigated royal duties.