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The Simple Advice Palace Gave Princess Kate While Dating William — And How It Became Her Secret Weapon

A royal expert has revealed how the Princess of Wales managed to maintain her composure even during the early and highly publicized phase of her life. 

Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Prince William, Prince of Wales, during their November 2010 engagement announcement. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Chris Jackson)
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Prince William, Prince of Wales, during their November 2010 engagement announcement. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Chris Jackson)

Prince William and Princess Kate's college romance blossomed into a royal marriage, with the couple completing 15 years of blissful marriage in April. However, their early relationship was fiercely guarded, as Kate remained under heavy media scrutiny, even earning the moniker 'Waitey Katie.' A royal expert has now revealed how the Princess of Wales managed to maintain her composure even during the early and highly publicized phase of her life. 

Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby - Indigo
Prince William and Princess Kate at St. Andrews. (Image Source: Getty Images | Max Mumby - Indigo)

Writing for Woman & Home, royal editor Duncan Larcombe revealed that the Princess of Wales received expert guidance from the Palace on handling the paparazzi that constantly hounded her. "I first met Kate in 2005, when little — if anything — was known about the beautiful St. Andrews undergraduate who had caught the eye of our future king. At the time, she had been told that if journalists or photographers approached her, she needed to simply smile and act as though she was pleased to see them." Kate took the advice to heart. Larcombe noted that Kate had a sincere personality during their brief encounter on a ski trip in Switzerland. "For some, a royal encounter is too much to contemplate, but Kate has always taken it in her stride," he added. 

He lauded the Princess of Wales ' upbringing and her steadfast nature, highlighting that these qualities made her one of the most favored royals in the Firm. "She might have married into the Royal Family, with all the trappings that come with that, but her relatability is just what's needed in this turbulent time for the Firm," he concluded. In a similar vein, Vanity Fair's royal reporter Katie Nicholl labeled Kate as the greatest asset of the royal family. She went on to compare her persona with that of Prince Philip, saying, "I think Kate is the glue." During an appearance on 60 Minutes Australia, she said, "In the same way that the Duke of Edinburgh was always the one who would help resolve family issues. He was the patriarch of the family. I see Kate stepping into that role. Trying to keep things together."

Prince William, Prince George, Kate Middleton, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in a photo released on April 29, 2011. Credit : The Prince and Princess of Wales
Prince William, Prince George, Kate Middleton, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in a photo released on April 29, 2011. (Image Source: Instagram| @theprinceandprincessofwales)

The Prince and Princess of Wales marked their 15th wedding anniversary this year by releasing a family photograph taken by Matt Porteous during a holiday in Cornwall. The image featured William and Kate lying in a field with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, alongside their dog, Orla. 

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