Kate Middleton cemented her reputation as the ‘royals’ resident trooper’ at this pivotal moment, royal commentator reveals

Kate Middleton spoke to Prince Harry at Prince Philip's funeral

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge hosts a drive-in cinema screening of Disney's 'Cruella' for Scottish NHS workers at The Palace of Holyroodhouse on May 26, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland
(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo - Pool/Getty Images)

Kate Middleton has been praised for her dignified response to the challenges faced by the Royal Family in recent months, though according to a royal commentator, there’s one moment in particular  that has “cemented” her reputation as a “trooper”. 


Kate Middleton’s calm and warm demeanour has won the hearts of royal fans across the globe and according to a royal expert she has “cemented” her role as a “resident trooper”. Since marrying Prince William in 2011, the Duchess of Cambridge has become a prominent senior royal and she has remained committed to her duties during what has been a difficult time for the Royal Family, following Prince Philip’s death.

Prior to this, Prince Harry and Meghan’s shocking “tell-all” Oprah interview aired, which led to the Queen issuing a measured response. Since the interview, speculation about tension between Prince Harry and Prince William has risen once again. This comes after Prince Harry called his brother “trapped” in the institution, whilst Meghan set the record straight on rumors she made Kate Middleton cry by telling her side of the story. 

Despite the suggestion of growing distance between them, however, Prince Harry reunited with Prince William, Kate and the wider Royal Family as they paid tribute to Prince Philip at his funeral. It was here, according to royal commentator, Camilla Tominey, that Kate Middleton’s reputation as a “trooper” was confirmed. 

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Writing in The Telegraph’s Stella Magazine, Camilla discussed her belief that Kate has become one of the monarchy’s greatest assets, declaring: “[I]it was Kate’s actions following the 50-minute ceremony that truly cemented her reputation as the royals’ resident trooper.”

She continued: “Despite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Oprah Winfrey interview, when Kate was accused of making Meghan cry during a bridesmaid’s dress fitting and failing to support her, Kate rose decidedly above it all.

“Not only was she the first in the 30-strong congregation to engage self-exiled Harry, 36, in polite conversation following the service, but she also played the role of royal peacemaker by subtly engineering a conversation between her husband and brother-in-law.”

Kate Middleton was observed talking with Prince Harry following the poignant funeral service, before she, Prince William and Prince Harry walked together back up the hill to Windsor Castle. Many royal fans would have been eager to know what Prince William and Prince Harry really said to each other after the funeral, whilst Camilla praised Kate for putting her “best foot forward in trying to carve a path to reconciliation between the brothers”.

Kate Middleton's kindness towards Prince Harry on the day of Prince Philip’s funeral showcases her warmth and she and her brother-in-law are understood to have been close. Later this summer, he and Prince William are set to reunite once again for the unveiling of a memorial statue to Princess Diana, though it's not yet known if Kate will be joining them. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!