It’s been fourteen years since Kate Middleton married Prince William, who is now the heir to the British throne. It’s just been revealed that prior to her marriage, Kate was given a powerful warning about surviving royal life from William’s grandfather Prince Philip.
Philip’s Advice For Kate
In his book Philip: The Final Portrait,” author Gyles Brandreth claimed that Philip stepped up to give Kate his “golden rule” for surviving as a senior member of the royal family. Philip would have known a thing or two about that, as he was married to Queen Elizabeth for 73 years prior to his eventual death in 2021.
“If you think the attention is on you personally, you’ll end up in trouble,” Philip allegedly told Kate. “The focus is on your role, what you do, what you support. It’s not focused on you as an individual. You’re not a celebrity. You represent the royal family.”
Philip reportedly went on to tell Kate that one important way to avoid feeling like a star was to “never look at the camera” when photographers were present. He added that the Queen never looked at the camera. Instead, she would focus on looking at whoever she was speaking to.
Before he passed away at the age of 99, Philip served as a “mentor” to younger royals. He was also a big fan of Kate’s. Indeed, he was “relieved” that William had found a “level-headed girl” like her.
“I have been on walkabouts with [the Princess of Wales],” said Brandreth. “She does not look at the camera. Whenever she is interviewed, Catherine talks about the matter at hand, never about herself.”
“I have been on walkabouts with [the Princess of Wales],” Brandreth alleged. “She does not look at the camera. Whenever she is interviewed, Catherine talks about the matter at hand, never about herself.”
Royal Experts Weigh In
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard was quick to agree. According to her, Philip’s advice is still shaping Kate as a royal even four years after his death.
“She was taught by the best,” Chard explained. “Prince Philip reminded her that she wasn’t a celebrity. She represents the royal family. She needs to dedicate herself to a life of service, concentrate on the job at hand and never smile directly at the camera.”
“The Princess of Wales’s deep humility and discretion, along with Philip’s advice in dealing with life in the spotlight, has given her the strength to breeze through challenging media firestorms,” Chard continued.
British royal expert Hilary Fordwich chimed in to discuss just how easy it was for Kate to follow Philip’s advice.
“One of the many reasons Princess Catherine has followed his advice was due to the national respect she always garnered,” Fordwich said. “She also values tradition, service, as well as stability.”
“He implored her to always focus on the role, that of dedication and duty, not on herself,” she stated. “That’s why she avoids seeking public attention for personal fame. He made it blatantly clear that royalty and celebrity are two completely different things. Philip’s advice has helped her preserve the monarchy’s respected public image, rendering her as one of the most level-headed, grounded, popular, revered and trusted members of the royal family.”
Philip And Elizabeth Still Inspire The Royals
Philip and the Queen were married for 73 years before he died in April of 2021 at the age of 99. She followed him one year later in September of 2022 at the age of 96. Though they are no longer with us, Philip and Elizabeth continue to live on through Kate and the rest of the royal family.
“The late Queen Elizabeth made a huge success of her long life of service,” said Chard. “Her beloved Philip was her constant strength and guide. Princess Catherine is happy to be part of the bigger picture, the glue of the royal family. She is still scrutinized by the public and photographers, yet she handles the spotlight with grace and sheer dedication to the royal family.”
“The Princess of Wales holds star power by shining in her own light,” she concluded.
Philip’s advice to Kate has certainly paid off, as she is currently one of the most popular royals. God bless you, Kate Middleton!