Kate Middleton’s royal knowledge put to the ultimate test and she passed with flying colors

Kate Middleton’s royal knowledge was tested during her visit to Glasgow and she was reportedly ‘thrilled’ to get the answer right…

Kate Middleton's royal knowledge put to the test, seen here during a visit to the Wheatley Group in Glasgow
(Image credit: Photo Andrew Milligan - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Kate Middleton’s royal knowledge was put to the ultimate test during her and Prince William’s recent trip to Scotland and the future Queen passed with flying colors. 


As the countdown to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 weekend continues, Duchess Kate and Prince William have been busier than ever as they and other senior members of the extended Royal Family support the monarch. Earlier this week the couple traveled to Scotland for two days of important engagements focusing on mental health during Mental Health Awareness Week

On their first day the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the University of Glasgow where they met with students. Here they learnt more about the support on offer and learnt more about students’ experiences and about the importance of speaking out about mental wellbeing. 

They also greeted crowds of students who turned out to see the royal couple and one presented Duchess Kate with a tricky problem…

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge meet with students during a visit to the University of Glasgow

(Image credit: Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA POOL/Getty Images)

And according to The Times, it was their challenging crossword that proved more than a little tricky for one student, leading to the Duchess stepping in to offer assistance. And it seems Kate Middleton’s royal knowledge certainly wasn’t lacking when it comes to her royal grandmother-in-law.

It’s said to have been a second-year student, Jack Baird, who reportedly got Duchess Kate’s attention by holding a copy of an old crossword puzzle from The Times. They allege that this particular difficult clue revolved around the Queen! 

Afterwards, Jack reportedly explained that it had been “seven down” which was so difficult, with this apparently concerning the “sovereign’s annual allowance”. The elusive answer was “two words of five and four letters” according to Jack, who revealed he couldn’t get the second word. 

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge on a walkabout after a visit to the University of Glasgow

(Image credit: Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

“I gave it to Kate and asked her as I’m sure she would have known. And she said it was ‘Civil List’,” he claimed. “She was very excited. It didn’t look like she was going to get it for a moment. I’m really chuffed. I’m going to frame it. She looked thrilled. I think she thought ‘I wouldn’t live this down if I get this wrong’.”

The Times reports that it was the Times2 non-cryptic version of the Jumbo Crossword 1554 from Monday, May 2nd that had Jack stumped over this question. Thankfully, with Kate Middleton's royal knowledge on his side, the clue was soon solved. 

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The Cambridges went on to Edinburgh the next day before returning home and even issued an apology to all the students they missed meeting in Glasgow. They will soon be taking another UK trip, this time to Wales, over the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend. Meanwhile, Princess Anne heads to Scotland and the Earl and Countess of Wessex will visit Northern Ireland to mark this significant royal milestone.

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!