Kate Middleton and Prince William's most challenging tour which left William 'rattled' but Kate 'pulled off marvellously'
Kate Middleton and Prince William's most challenging tour has been revealed by a royal expert who reflected on this royal visit from 2012
Kate Middleton and Prince William's most challenging tour has been revealed by a royal expert who reflected on how the Prince and Princess handled this delicate situation involving topless images of Catherine.
Back in 2012, just a year after Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding in 2011, the Prince and Princess went on a royal tour around the world to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. However, unfortunately for the royal couple, this tour coincided with the release of topless photographs of the Princess by a French magazine.
Spare by Prince Harry | £14 at Amazon
Reflecting upon his experience of life as a member of the Royal Family, Prince Harry gives fascinating insights and revelations all in his own words. This best-seller reflects upon everything from the loss of Princess Diana to Prince Harry's love story with Meghan Markle.
In an interview with Hello's podcast, A Right Royal Podcast, journalist Kate Mansey, who covered the royal's jubilee tour, spoke about how difficult this public engagement was for the royal couple. The royal couple faced the press for the first time following this news when they took part in an engagement in the Borneo rainforest.
Kate recalled being there on the day, "So, for Sunday, journalists, I was one of them, went on ahead to the Borneo rainforest, where Kate and William were going to arrive by helicopter and be shown around. It was lovely to be there. We had a two-day trek and went on these 4x4s up these mountain roads. And all of a sudden, any kind of criticism that we had about them helicoptering in and out in their very short timescale evaporated because there's no other way to get there.”
She explained that the journalists who were covering the engagement hadn't had a signal for days before the couple arrived and had no idea about the pictures that had been released of Catherine.
"The night before they arrived, we're all in situ waiting for this. And our phones started buzzing in this one restaurant in the hills where we actually got one bar of reception, and some pictures had emerged in a European magazine of the then Duchess of Cambridge topless on holiday. Pap pictures, taken with a long lens, and clearly a massive breach of privacy," said Kate.
Although this would have obviously been completely devastating for Catherine who was still new to being a royal, the journalist revealed that the Princess handled it extremely well, with a stiff upper lip attitude at the engagement the day after.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
"The very next day, Kate appeared at a mosque, and she pulled it off marvellously, she went business as usual. And they came in the rainforest, and it was clear to see that William, in particular, was rattled by it, she seemed quite calm. But William, for sure, it had really affected him," she said.
Kate complimented the couple's behavious and concluded that Kate is absolutely not a pushover."It was remarkable to see how it worked and see how their team supported them, and to see how he supported her, but also how the fact that he was clearly much more rattled than she was. And I thought that was telling as well. That incident for me showed that she has this kind of steel rod of metal running through her, she is no pushover."
"She's completely solid. And if anything, he was the one that was more worked up about it, than she was. That's telling, that's why they make a great partnership," she concluded.
Laura is the Entertainment Editor for woman&home who primarily covers television, film, and celebrity news. Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.
-
Zara Tindall elevates monochrome black outfit with dreamiest suede trench coat and pop of leopard print
Zara Tindall's suede coat is a flattering winter staple we'll be wearing all season long
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Even if you're a 'sprout sceptic' you have to admit Trinny Woodall's creative trees are fabulous
Love them or loath them there's no denying that sprouts make a fun festive addition to Christmas tablescapes
By Tamara Kelly Published
-
The royal Christmas tradition that Prince William and Kate Middleton could change when they’re King and Queen
The Prince and Princess of Wales might change 'a lot' of royal customs one day and a royal expert suspects this will be one of them
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Charlotte in 'floods of tears' after Prince William made appearance change - but he convinced her it was 'going to be ok'
The Prince of Wales has explained how Princess Charlotte reacted when he first introduced a new change to his appearance
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Prince William shares new update on Kate Middleton since she 'completed' cancer treatment
The Prince of Wales shared an insight into the Princess's wellbeing after he travelled to Cape Town for the 2025 Earthshot Prize Awards
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William's divisive sleeping set-up at Adelaide Cottage won’t be for everyone
The Prince of Wales has reportedly revealed his and Kate's sleeping set-up and they've made a decision that might divide the crowd
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s favourite dessert is a decadent classic that she enjoys at cosy Berkshire pub
The Princess of Wales is said to love an indulgent British dessert and Prince William seemingly just confirmed it's her 'favourite'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Prince William's excuse to get out of 'competitive' game night with Middletons
Prince William is reportedly not a big fan of the Middleton family's 'favourite' fast-paced card game and he used this excuse to get out of it
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate and William thought Prince George would 'freak out' trying their 'adored' hobby - but he loves it!
The Prince and Princess of Wales have introduced their eldest son to an adventurous hobby and Prince George has become a big fan
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Prince Louis’ hilarious habit revealed by Prince William - and Princess Charlotte probably isn’t a huge fan
Prince William shared a relatable confession about Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte during his visit to a school in Llanelli
By Emma Shacklock Published