Kate Middleton, who got a fairytale romance with Prince William, had to adapt to the royal lifestyle. The Princess who wasn’t raised in the royal family reportedly found it difficult to adjust to her new life. The royal family even “teased” her for one of her habits when she was new in the family.
Prince William and Kate have been linked romantically since 2003. The couple met when the royal was studying at St. Andrews University. The two got engaged in 2010 after dating for almost 7 years. The royal wedding took place at the Westminster Abbey on 29 April, 2011.
In an interview marking the occasion of Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday, Kate revealed how there was one habit of hers that got her “teased” in the royal family. The Princess of Wales, who often conducts herself gracefully in official engagements. Apparently, the art of interacting with people did not come naturally to the royal.
“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,” Middleton recalled. She noted how walkabouts are a real “art” that needs to be practiced and learned. She revealed how her habit of chatting with people for “far too long” often got “teased” by her in-laws.
“I’ve still got to learn a little bit more and pick up a few more tips, I suppose,” she admitted during the interview, as per a report by Tyla. Catherine went on to note how Queen Elizabeth was “very supportive” and helped her get acquainted with royal life.
Once William & Catherine were married and moved to KP, the Queen started extended “private tea invitation” at BP to her. Catherine who has a healthy respect and admiration for her majesty always made time for the privilege to learn from her and took her training to heart🔥6/15 pic.twitter.com/7K93FifmCb
— Canellecitadelle (@Canellelabelle) May 29, 2023
“The fact she took the time to make sure that I was happy and looked after for that particular occasion,” Kate shares. The Princess of Wales noted how “caring” the Queen was towards people. The New York Post reports how Kate had difficulty with not chattering while she attended a wedding in Jordan in 2023.
William and Kate were in attendance when Crown Prince Al Hussein and Princess Rajwa Al Saif got married. Reportedly, all guests at the wedding spoke to the groom and the bride for approximately 1o seconds while Kate took her sweet time to strike up a conversation.
The Princess reportedly took up about a minute of the couple’s time as William gently gestured for her to bring the conversation to a conclusion. Another part of her non-royal life that the Princess has maintained is her maiden name.
Kate, who has been in the royal family for more than a decade, still goes by the name ‘Middleton.’ Megan Boyle, a PR expert, gave her insight on the move, noting that it is likely a very conscious decision. Boyle tells The Express that the choice is to maintain the “fairytale aspect” of Kate and William’s love story.
The Times:
Her announcement also illuminates the dynamic between the Prince and Princess of Wales. While William was closely involved in Kate’s decision, it was one he dearly wished she had not felt compelled to make. “She did it with his full support and advice, he joined all pic.twitter.com/HwDLcTtjTo— Isa💜 (@isaguor) March 23, 2024
The expert points out how the general public has always known Kate as Kate Middleton, which makes it difficult to “break” the habit. “She’s been in our lives for so many years now that fans of the Royals have this almost parasocial relationship with her,” Boyle adds.
She explains how Kate retaining her name from before her marriage maintains the “fairytale aspect” and reminds people that “something similar could happen to us.” Boyle explains how the name has “won over so many people in the first place,” while reminding people that she is just a “normal person.”
