Princess Kate recalls the challenges of learning royal etiquette as she navigated her early days in the spotlight.
Princess Kate recently shared a lighthearted reflection on an early blunder during her royal walkabouts, showing how much she has grown in her role since first stepping into the public eye. Before romance blossomed with Prince William, the two were close friends at the University of St. Andrews. Following years of dating, a brief split, and an eventual engagement announcement in 2010, Kate found herself gradually adapting to the unique demands of royal life.
In a documentary celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday, Kate candidly spoke about the steep learning curve she faced. She revealed that during her initial public outings, she would often lose track of time, getting carried away in conversations. Her eagerness to connect with people even became a running joke within the royal family. "There is a real art to walkabouts; everyone teases me in the family that I spend far too long chatting,” she said, adding with a smile, “I think I've still got to learn a little bit more and pick up a few more tips."
Kate expressed gratitude for the late Queen's guidance during her early solo engagements, recalling how the monarch accompanied her to one of her first events. "She was very supportive," Kate said. "The fact she took the time to make sure that I was happy and looked after… just shows how caring she is, really."
Old habits die hard, however, as a recent public moment suggested. While attending the wedding of Crown Prince Al Hussein and Princess Rajwa in Jordan, Prince William was seen gently nudging Kate to wrap up her conversation. The humorous exchange, captured on camera, indicated that Kate's love for a good chat remains as strong as ever. Given her childhood years spent in Jordan, it’s likely she had much to discuss with the newlyweds.
Over the years, as Kate’s responsibilities have expanded alongside her role as a mother, she has mastered the balance between public duty and maintaining a sense of normalcy—occasionally with a touch of humour.
