The ‘steep learning curve’ Kate Middleton overcame when she married Prince William
It hasn't always been easy

The Duchess of Cambridge was forced to overcome a “steep learning curve” when she joined the Royal Family back in 2011.
- Kate Middleton had to integrate herself into the most famous family in the world, which a royal expert has branded a ‘steep learning curve’
- Kate and William will celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary in April
- It follows royal news that an expert claims Prince Philip never wanted to live to 100
Marrying into a new family and meeting the in-laws can be a daunting prospect for anyone, let alone Kate Middleton who was joining the Royal Family upon marrying Prince William.
And now a royal expert has revealed the “steep learning curve” the Duchess had to go through when she and William tied the knot back in 2011, ten years after meeting at St. Andrew’s University in Scotland.
Speaking as part of a Channel 5 documentary, When the Middletons Met the Monarchy, Anjula Mutanda - a relationship psychologist - explained just how difficult that transition into The Firm must have been.
More from Woman&Home
Prince William and Kate Middleton have been married a decade this year
She explained, “Here we have the monarchy, it has its own peculiar rules and protocol which stretch back hundreds of years.
“Now can you imagine stepping into that world and trying to integrate yourself. That is a very steep learning curve.”
For Prince William and his brother, Prince Harry, these rules, regulations and protocols are second nature - another part of their life. But for Kate and her family, it was a whole new world.
“For the Royal Family they have been born and raised into it, they know the rules of engagement at big events like a royal wedding,” Anjula added.
“For the Middleton family I think it would only be fair to offer them guidance, support and help about protocol otherwise the likelihood of making a mistake is pretty high.”
Kate Middleton had to integrate herself into the royal family
It comes after it emerged that the Queen had “grave concerns” about her grandson’s future wife prior to their engagement.
Her Majesty was keen for Kate Middleton to forge her own identity before marrying into the Royal Family.
Royal biographer, Katie Nicholl, writes in her book ‘The Making of a Royal Romance,’ “Privately [the Queen] had grave concerns and believed that Kate needed to have a job and an identity in her own right before an engagement was announced.
“While the rest of the world speculated that an engagement was on the horizon for William and Kate, the Queen believed an announcement should be postponed until Kate was settled in a career.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have now been married for nearly a decade and are arguably two of the hardest working senior members of the royal family, having picked up extra responsibilities since the departure of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
-
-
The best mascaras for sensitive eyes: our favorite delicate formulations
For those with delicate eyes or skin, finding the best mascaras for sensitive eyes takes a little more care and attention.
By Ayesha Muttucumaru •
-
Kobe Bryant widow Vanessa publicly criticizes rapper Meek Mill for lacking 'respect' and 'tact' over song lyric
The widow of the late basketball legend has lashed out at the rapper for 'insensitive' lyric referencing her husband
By Selina Maycock •
-
Kobe Bryant widow Vanessa publicly criticizes rapper Meek Mill for lacking 'respect' and 'tact' over song lyric
The widow of the late basketball legend has lashed out at the rapper for 'insensitive' lyric referencing her husband
By Selina Maycock •
-
Silent vibrator sales have rocketed during lockdown
Shh! The sales of quiet sex toys have skyrocketed during lockdown
By Laura Harman •
-
Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen team up for unlikely project
The former President has started a new venture with legendary singer-songwriter
By Selina Maycock •
-
When are self-catering holidays allowed in the UK and how far can you travel?
What are the new rules about holidays following the new UK lockdown announcement?
By Laura Harman •
-
A doctor explains the best ways to strengthen your Covid-19 vaccine
Dr. Michael Mosley shares his best tips on boosting the effectiveness of your vaccine
By Emma Dooney •
-
This is how Sarah Ferguson won over Prince Philip and the royal family
How Sarah Ferguson managed to win over the royal family
By Laura Harman •
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to help rebuild women’s shelter in Texas
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have provided financial aid to a Dallas domestic violence shelter after it was destroyed by Storm Uri
By Emma Dooney •
-
The Queen’s distant cousin, Simon Bowes-Lyon, is jailed for sexual assault at Glamis Castle
Simon Bowes-Lyon, a distant cousin of The Queen, has been jailed for attacking a woman
By Laura Harman •