Kate Middleton breaks royal protocol by sending sweet message to fan
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has broken royal protocol by directly responding to a young fan on social media


Kate Middleton has broken royal protocol in a recent tweet on social media as the Duchess has directly messaged a young fan.
- Kate Middleton recently turned 40 and was inundated with messages from fans who wanted to wish the Duchess well on her birthday.
- The Duchess decided to respond to just one of these messages, from an adoring young fan that she met last year.
- In other royal news, Prince William will face a 'bittersweet moment' when Kate receives new royal title.
When the Duchess turned 40 over the weekend, she was swarmed with thousands of messages wishing her well. However, there was only one tweet that the Duchess herself decided to respond to.
Royal fan, Lynda Sneddon, posted a video of her daughter Mila wishing Kate a happy birthday. In the video, Mila said, "Happy birthday Catherine! I'm so happy you're turning 40. I hope you get nice gifts and love spending time with your family, bye, lots of love Mila."
The caption from Lynda said, "Better late than never and home to isolate from hospital! Wishing the Duchess of Cambridge a very happy 40th birthday from your number one fan !! Lots of love #mila #holdstill"
The Duchess replied earnestly to this message, "Thank you Mila!" This was a surprising tweet from the Duchess who rarely responds to fans through social media.
Thank you Mila!January 10, 2022
The Duchess first became aware of the six-year-old when a photograph of Mila was included in the royal's Hold Still photography project in 2020.
The photograph included was an image of Mila waving through her kitchen window at her father, who she was separated from during the first lockdown. Mila was receiving chemotherapy for leukemia, which meant that she was in a particularly vulnerable position during the lockdown.
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.
As part of this project, Mila had a phone call with Kate and also met the Duchess in person in May 2021 when she was invited to chat with the royal at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. At this meeting, Kate kept her magical promise to the young girl as she wore the 'princess' style outfit that Mila discussed in their phone call.
Introducing ‘Shielding Mila’ the first of a series of telephone calls that The Duchess held with participants from the Hold Still project.https://t.co/weQpM9a2jwMay 6, 2021
When Kate hosted a Christmas Carol concert at Westminster Abbey in December 2021, Lynda and her daughter Mila were specifically invited by the royals to enjoy the festivities.
At the time, Mila's mother Lynda spoke about how excited they were to be invited to the concert, "Last two Christmases Mila has been in hospital so we are looking forward to having Mila at home this year. We are just an ordinary family it is amazing to be invited."
The Mirror reported that the Duchess chatted with Mila and asked the little girl what she had put on her Christmas list. "She asked me what I was getting from Father Christmas and I told her I wanted a Barbie Dreamhouse," said Mila.
The young girl added that her outfit was also complemented by the Duchess. "I showed her my dress and she said I looked lovely," said Mila.
Over recent years, Kate has been dubbed the 'Children's Princess' as a sweet nickname inspired by Princess Diana who was known as the 'People's Princess'. It is clear from her recent sweet gestures that this title is one she intends to uphold as she continues to make an effort with young royal fans.
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.
-
I'm thinking of buying a new designer handbag, but this time it's for my dog, let me explain...
With three Mulberry handbags in my collection, I'm tempted to get the latest drop, but this time I'd be sharing it with my pup
-
My family runs a pizza business - these are the 9 ovens actually impressed us
I tested the best pizza ovens for beginners, experts, and home chefs alike. If you want to pitch Gozney, Ooni, and Ninja against each other, look no further.
-
Kate Middleton's sad four-word admission after Princess Lilibet's birth
Princess Lilibet just marked her fourth birthday - and it may have been a reminder of sadness for Kate and William
-
Kate Middleton's favourite flats are trending again in 2025 - I predict she'll wear them again soon
Boat shoes are set to be a hot trend in summer 2025, and the Princess of Wales has been a fan for a long time
-
Kate Middleton's 'commitment to self-improvement' has helped her balance royal and family life, royal expert says
The Princess of Wales has a 'regimented daily routine' that helps her divide and manage her time, a royal expert has said
-
Prince George 'absolutely loves' this unusual hobby - and he's following in his parents footsteps
Prince George is a huge fan of a hobby that Prince William and Kate Middleton also love
-
This rare glimpse inside Kate Middleton’s living room highlights her favorite affordable home touch
The Princess of Wales uses an affordable accessory to transform her living room into a cozy, welcoming space
-
Carole and Michael Middleton were 'hugely dedicated' parents and 'sacrificed' a lot for their children growing up, Kate remembers
Carole and Michael Middleton's sacrifices to support their children are something the Princess of Wales once spoke about on a podcast
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton's controversial sleeping habit revealed
The Prince of Wales reportedly let slip something about his and Kate Middleton's sleeping arrangements - and it might divide opinion
-
Remember Kate Middleton's casual denim midi dress? It's a breezy option for days where jeans just won't do
I'd forgotten all about this piece the Princess wore in 2020 but I'm glad I've rediscovered it as denim dresses are great for summer.