Why Queen Elizabeth Often Made Time for Kate Middleton — Despite Her Busy Schedule
In a new Channel 5 documentary, royal experts reveal Queen Elizabeth and Kate Middleton's close bond, filled with private tea and long walks.
Before marrying Prince William in 2011, Kate Middleton was a commoner, largely oblivious to the pomp and traditions of royal life. After falling head over heels for the future King, she gradually immersed herself in a world dictated by rules and protocol. It was this determination to adapt that earned her the trust and respect of the late Queen Elizabeth, who admired her strong sense of duty. In a new Channel 5 documentary, various royal experts pulled back the curtain on the late Queen and Middleton's close bond, filled with private tea and long walks.
In Kate and The Queen: A Special Relationship, royal editor Richard Kay explained how the late Queen gradually 'grew to trust Kate.' According to the Daily Mail, he said, "I don't think she really trusted anyone on first impression, we're all performing the same show, the show is supporting the Queen. But with Kate and the Queen, it grew deeper than that," noting that there was a real "grandmotherly affection between the two." Royal expert Ingrid Seward echoed the sentiments, saying, "I think the Queen saw her strength and saw that she is a caring person who had this amazing affiliation to duty."
Seward revealed that the then-Duchess of Cambridge greatly appreciated the Queen's consideration and close attention. Reportedly, she grew even closer to the Queen after the birth of her three children, making a special effort to include her in their lives. Their bond only grew when William and Middleton settled at Kensington Palace, allowing her and the Queen to catch up for private tea and regular walks at Buckingham Palace. The experts stressed that it was the Queen's down-to-earth nature that allowed the Princess to transition from a commoner to a royal.
Middleton herself has reflected on her close bond with the Queen, once gushing, "You would expect a lot of grandeur and a lot of fuss, but actually, what really resonates with me is her love for the simple things. And I think that's a special quality to have." She has often spoken about the Queen's gentle guidance to help her navigate royal life and her love for her three children. In the ITV documentary, Our Queen at Ninety, the Princess beamed, "George is only two-and-a-half. He calls her 'gan-gan.' She always leaves a little gift or something in their room when we go and stay, and that just shows her love for her family."
After the Queen passed away in September 2022, Middleton and William were deeply impacted by her loss. On the first anniversary of the Queen's demise, Middleton and William issued a heartfelt tribute which read, "Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C."
