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Kate Middleton Reportedly Had A 'Crippling Fear' Prior To Joining The Royal Family

According to a royal expert, Kate Middleton had to overcome 'a crippling fear' when she married Prince William and joined the royal family.

Kate Middleton takes part in public engagements nearly every week, but according to royal experts, the mother-of-three used to get very nervous ahead of big events.

Camila Tominey discussed the predicament in a 2017 episode of BBC's podcast "Images of Diana."

"I think it’s difficult for Kate individually because I think she’s intrinsically quite shy. I think she could give herself more credit by speaking more," she explained. "She’s had this crippling fear of public speaking. Which Arthur [Edwards, royal photographer] and I have seen first hand — and the rest of the people in the press pack — when she has had to address crowds that she needs to get over. Because if the royals are to be modern and very 21st century, princesses need to be heard as well as seen."

Public speaking expert Susie Ashfield once talked about the situation with The Express.

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"Whilst The Duchess of Cambridge is no stranger to talking on camera, it’s alleged she finds public speaking uncomfortable and is naturally somewhat introverted," she began. "She generally shies away from the limelight, preferring to not generate unnecessary publicity."

"The Duchess has come a long way since the first time her voice was publicly heard at the official announcement of her engagement to Prince William," she continued. "With a restrained smile, determined hand movements and extended pauses, Her Royal Highness has the glowing confidence of a newsreader, and there’s not a word (or a hair) out of place."

Overcoming her fear is just one of the reasons Queen Elizabeth believes she'll make a great Queen one day.

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"The Queen very much regards Catherine as a safe pair of hands," expert Joe Little previously told Us Weekly. "She’s been a member of the royal family for 10 years now. I think given that all that’s going on in the past few years in the royal family in terms of the fallouts ... the Queen has great trust in Kate."