Unusual way Kate Middleton first met late Queen – without Prince William by her side

The relationship between the Princess of Wales and the late Queen Elizabeth II evolved over time, with their first meeting taking place in rather unconventional circumstances. Kate Middleton, who began dating Prince William in 2002 while they were students at the University of St Andrews, did not meet the monarch until 2008.

Despite the initial encounter being brief and occurring amidst a larger gathering, Kate later revealed that it transpired during a significant event for the Royal Family – the wedding of Peter Phillips to Autumn Kelly. In an interview with ITV’s Tom Bradby shortly after her engagement to Prince William in 2010, Kate recounted, “Well, I first met her at Peter and Autumn’s wedding. And again, it was in amongst a lot of other guests, and she was very friendly, and, no, it was fine.”

While their first interaction may have been fleeting, Kate’s relationship with the Queen would eventually blossom into a close bond over the years, underscoring the evolving dynamics within the Royal Family.

The relationship between Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Queen Elizabeth II has been a topic of interest for many. Prince William acknowledged Kate’s warm and welcoming nature, stating that she was eager to meet the Queen and that their initial interaction went smoothly, with the two getting along well.

Reports suggest that Kate attended a wedding alone, as Prince William had prior commitments elsewhere. However, the Queen was delighted to finally meet Kate, having hoped for an opportunity to do so for some time, despite William’s absence.

Kate Middleton has rarely given interviews since marrying Prince William in 2011. However, she made an exception to contribute to an official royal documentary about Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday in 2016. In the documentary, Kate described the Queen’s “gentle guidance” and recounted her nerves before her first solo engagement with the monarch, which also took place without Prince William’s presence.

These insights provide an informative glimpse into the dynamics between the royal family members and highlight the significance of Kate’s integration into the royal household.

The Duchess of Cambridge’s recollections offer a formal and respectful insight into her experiences with Her Majesty The Queen. She fondly recalls an occasion where the monarch displayed her caring nature by ensuring the Duchess felt supported during an engagement in Leicester, a gesture that highlights the Queen’s attentiveness to even minor details concerning her family members.

Furthermore, the Duchess touched upon the Queen’s evident delight at the arrival of Princess Charlotte, emphasizing Her Majesty’s fondness for her great-granddaughter and her affection for her family as a whole. The Duchess’s account of the Queen leaving gifts for her great-grandchildren during visits exemplifies the monarch’s love and thoughtfulness towards her loved ones.

Overall, the Duchess’s formal remarks paint a heartwarming portrait of the Queen’s warmth, consideration, and deep familial bonds, underscoring the profound respect and admiration she holds for the sovereign.