Kate Middleton received a major compliment from Prince Philip when she first started dating Prince William, and was given strict advice, according to a new book.
- Prince Philip was "relieved" when the now Princess of Wales started dating Prince William, the book claims.
- The Duke of Edinburgh also gave the future Princess of Wales some stern advice when it came to royal duties.
- In other royal news, Harry and Meghan met in the most relatable way.
Writing in his new book, Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, royal author and long-time friend Gyles Brandreth revealed the compliment Prince Philip gave Kate. He wrote, "When Catherine Middleton came along as a potential bride for his grandson, Prince William, the Duke of Edinburgh was, he told me, ‘relieved to find her such a level-headed girl.'"
Gyles also revealed the advice Prince Philip, who died in April last year, gave Kate. He said, "'If you believe the attention is for you personally', he warned her, 'you’re going to end up in trouble. The attention is for your role, what you do, what you’re supporting."
"'It isn’t for you as an individual. You are not a celebrity. You are representing the royal family. That’s all. Don’t look at the camera. The Queen never looks at the camera. Never. Look at who you’re talking to'."
Gyles adds in his book that Prince Philip, who was married to Queen Elizabeth II for over 70 years, was "saddened" that his daughter-in-law Princess Diana - the former Princess of Wales - "allowed her popularity to go to her head."
Kate Middleton is often praised for being level-headed and relatable. Last week, she was celebrated for being like 'all of us' when she showed nerves ahead of presenting an award at the Earthshot Awards ceremony.
It's long been reported that the Princess of Wales shared a special bond with Prince Philip. In 2016, Kate appeared in a documentary celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh Award in which she revealed that she too had taken part in the scheme.
Kate completed the DofE programme during her time at Marlborough College and was presented with the award at St James's Palace some 25 years ago – long before Prince Philip became her grandfather-in-law.
Recalling the expedition, Kate said, "I can remember trying to cook bacon in the soaking wet. Everything was just sopping and I was trying and trying to cook bacon. I remember saying you know what, I think we're just going to have plain sandwiches. Bread, basic bread and butter!"
Kate and Prince Philip also reportedly shared a similar sense of humour and devotion to duty. Royal expert Ingrid Seward, who met Philip several times, has previously said, “It is known Prince Philip likes her.”
After his death, Prince William reflected on their relationship, saying, "I will always be grateful that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness he showed her."
-
My confidence 'soared' after I tried the 3-2-1 workout method - here's how it revolutionised my routineFor the past two weeks, I have been doing the 3-2-1 workout method to boost my fitness, flexibility, and strength
-
Princess Eugenie gives knitwear a spring makeover with short sleeved jumper and satin skirt at poignant London visitPrincess Eugenie isn’t a working member of the Royal Family, but she’s a dedicated Patron of several vital charities and organisations.
-
Bye skinny jeans, hello palazzo trousers - Meghan Markle nails New York spring style with her ultra-wide leg lookJeans will never fully be replaced in my wardrobe but I’ve been finding myself drawn to wearing trousers more and more recently.
-
Kate Middleton is that you? Her floral dress, side-swept fringe and pink blazer deserve a comebackThe building blocks for the Princess’ signature style were always there in her looks and this outfit can easily be updated for 2025.
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William to spend anniversary in bittersweet location holding 'happiest and saddest' memoriesJust like King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales will mark their wedding anniversary away from home this year.
-
I’ve been writing about the royals for years - here’s what I predict Kate Middleton will wear at Easter (and what I wish she’d wear instead)All eyes will be on the Princess of Wales if she attends the Royal Family's Easter Sunday church service for the first time since 2023
-
Remember when Prince William and Kate Middleton broke royal protocol at Easter? Here's why it's unlikely to happen againThe Royal Family might be taking a more modern approach these days, but there are some traditions and protocols that they still uphold.
-
Kate Middleton's go-to bag for special occasions is a wedding season essential you'll reach for time and time againThe Princess of Wales always reaches for the same elegant style of bag for formal events and it works beautifully for weddings.
-
Kate Middleton declares baker boy hats back for 2025 in new Love Actually-esque outfitThe Princess of Wales's signature style is all about timelessness but that doesn’t mean that she never gets on board with trends.
-
Prince George will start a new school this year and 'smart money' is on Kate and William choosing this one, says royal expertPrince George only has just over a year left at Lambrook School and Emily Andrews believes there's a top contender for his next one.
