The Princess of Wales had great affection for the late Queen and held her in high regard, paying tribute to her unwavering duty and personal kindness.
But there was one thing about Her Majesty that surprised Kate. The mum-of-three spoke fondly about her husband’s grandmother while appearing on a BBC documentary to celebrate the Queen ‘s 90th birthday in 2016.
Kate remarked: “I suppose what’s really struck me is her love for the simple things in life. You would expect a lot of grandeur and a lot of fuss and things, but actually what really resonates with me is her love of simple things, the lack of fuss and I think that’s a special quality I think to have.”
In the show, the Princess also spoke about how the Queen “took time” to make sure she was looked after. “She’s been very generous in not sort of being forceful at all in any of her views, but I feel she’s been there as sort of a gentle guidance really for me.
“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.
“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. She was very supportive. 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, which just shows how caring she is, really.”
That guidance and support was something Prince William touched upon following the death of the Queen on 8 September 2022.
“On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute. So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign.
“I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives.”
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