Upon marrying Prince William in 2011, Kate Middleton stepped into the Royal Family as a key figure for its future. As she adapted to her roles as Duchess of Cambridge and later Princess of Wales, the late Queen Elizabeth II offered essential guidance during public engagements and royal responsibilities.
Building a Close Bond
Kate first encountered the Queen in 2008, forging a strong connection that lasted until the monarch’s passing. Royal author Russell Myers highlights the Queen’s immediate interest in Kate. “Right from the off, the Queen was really interested in Catherine as a person, and really interested in being able to support her and mentor her as well,” Myers states in an interview promoting his book, William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story.
Their partnership extended far beyond lending jewelry for Kate’s wedding. In March 2019, nearly eight years after the April 2011 ceremony, Kate accompanied the Queen on her first solo royal outing. Myers notes a deeper commitment: “There was a real sense that the Queen was looking out for her as well.” This included private conversations where the Queen shared insights on managing headstrong husbands, drawing from her own experiences. Kate embraced this wisdom wholeheartedly and held deep admiration for the Queen’s love, guidance, and support.
Pre-Wedding Counsel at Buckingham Palace
Ahead of her wedding, Kate met privately with the Queen at Buckingham Palace over tea and finger sandwiches. Rather than delving into event logistics, the Queen focused on reassuring the future royal. A former courtier recalls the monarch providing encouragement for Kate’s emerging senior role and practical advice on handling assertive spouses.
Prince William, known among staff and family for his approachable nature—preferring his first name over formal titles—could also be straightforward when directing tasks.
Jewelry Loans Symbolize Ongoing Support
Kate frequently borrowed treasured pieces from the Queen’s collection. For her wedding, she donned the Cartier Halo tiara, an 18th birthday gift to Elizabeth II from the Queen Mother—though she wore it only once.
Other notable instances include:
- A ruby floral necklace, a wedding gift to the Queen from her parents, at the 2017 state banquet honoring King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain.
- The Queen’s diamond bracelet, presented by Prince Philip, during a 2015 appearance.
- The Lover’s Knot tiara, previously worn by Princess Diana, on multiple occasions.
These gestures underscored the Queen’s enduring mentorship and care for Kate’s royal path.
