How Kate Middleton's ‘old-fashioned’ attitude to drama has helped her cope throughout turbulent year

Kate Middleton reportedly has a similar 'temperament' to another senior royal…

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge visits Alexandra Park Sports Hub to meet with Scouts
(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Kate Middleton’s almost “old-fashioned” attitude when it comes to royal drama is something that likely helped her cope throughout the turbulence of last year. 


Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge marked her milestone 40th birthday on January 9th, with three new portraits released in celebration of the momentous occasion. The Duchess has now enjoyed over a decade of birthdays as a member of the Royal Family, though her 40th comes after one of the most challenging years of all. Her Majesty and the Queen’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all mourned the loss of Prince Philip in April 2021.

Whilst Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Oprah interview led to the Queen’s “careful and constructive” response and left fans shocked by their revelations. In the months following this “tell-all” special, rumors of a “rift” between Princes William and Harry have continued to circulate. 

Throughout it all Kate has cemented her reputation as the royals’ “resident trooper”. Now it’s been claimed that she has a distinct approach to drama and it could perhaps have helped her cope during 2021.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the National Service of Remembrance

(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/Pool/WireImage via Getty)

As reported by The Sunday Times, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton has compared the Duchess to the late Queen Mother, suggesting that they share a similar “attitude to drama”. Not only is he one of her and William’s close friends, Jamie is also the couple’s former private secretary and even had the honor of being named one of Prince George’s godfathers. 

Opening up in honor of Kate’s milestone 40th birthday, Jamie praised the Duchess’ ability to cope with tough situations. He claimed, “She has that almost old-fashioned, Queen Mother attitude to drama—she just doesn’t do it.”

Jamie also reflected on his experience working for the Queen Mother, revealing to The Times that he very much sees her “temperament” in Kate Middleton. He explained, “When I was a 23-year-old I was the Queen Mother’s equerry for a couple of years. The duchess reminds me so much of her.”

Queen Mother celebrates her 90th birthday in London

(Image credit: Photo by Georges De Keerle/Getty Images)

The Queen Mother might never have expected to become Queen Consort, having married the future King George VI when he was Duke of York. Though when Edward VIII abdicated making her husband the new monarch, she quickly and wholeheartedly threw herself into this new role.

This determination and dedication is something Jamie believes Kate has consistently displayed as he stated, “In a funny sort of way, she has got the same temperament. Like the Queen Mother, she is incredibly polite to everybody.”

He continued, “She takes time to talk to people. She is tough. She has got that Queen Mother feel in her, so that when things need doing, she is there to do them.”

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend the Earthshot Prize 2021

(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

Never was Kate’s selflessness and determination more apparent than following the Sussexes’ Oprah interview, when her focus was reportedly on supporting Prince William at this difficult time. 

“In the days after the interview her priority was William, not how she felt about what Harry and Meghan had done,” a source close to the Cambridges alleged to The Times. “She has focused on personal support for William in what has been a really sad time in his life.” 

As the future Queen, Kate Middleton's decision to not "do" drama could likely continue to help her work through similarly challenging times in the years to come.

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!