FHHRN
Back in 2010, alongside the anticipation and jitters surrounding her forthcoming royal wedding, the woman who is now the Princess of Wales also faced the added pressure of a private audience with her future husband’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Although Kate had previously met the late monarch on several occasions in the presence of other royal family members, it was only when Her Majesty arranged what was described as a “casual meeting” that the two spent time together one-on-one for the first time.
The Queen called for a private meeting with Kate ahead of her wedding to Prince William
During the meeting — which royal author Russell Myers explores in his new book William and Catherine, The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story — the Queen was greeted by a visibly anxious Kate.
He wrote: Although billed as an informal catch-up, it was the first time Catherine had met the monarch on her own, and she was understandably nervous. Even though Catherine had by now met the Queen on several occasions, she sought advice from aides on what to wear and say during the meeting,
He continued by describing how, on the journey to Buckingham Palace, Kate made final adjustments before arriving for the engagement.
As he added: In the car on the way over to Buckingham Palace, she adjusted her hair and touched up her makeup before being met by the Queen’s private secretary and taken to a room where afternoon tea had been laid out.
READ MORE: Princess Kate Faces an ‘Increasingly Difficult’ Challenge After the Family’s Move to Forest Lodge
Advice for the futurе Queen
Russell Myers explained that while the Queen was keen to receive updates on the wedding plans, she also used the private meeting to share personal reflections and guidance drawn from her 70-year marriage to Prince Philip.
He wrote: But during the light buffet of tea and finger sandwiches, the Queen eschewed questions about the finer details of the production and instead looked to comfort the young woman she hoped would successfully shape the institution for the next generation.
READ MORE: King Charles and Princess Kate Praised as Their ‘Bravery’ Helps Support Thousands
The meeting camе before William and Kate’s royal wеdding
He continued by noting that, according to a former courtier, the Queen offered Catherine reassurance about stepping into her future position as a senior royal, along with advice on handling head- strong husbands.
William was known among staff and relatives for being approachable and considerate, often preferring to be called by his first name rather than by formal titles, yet he could also be firm and straightforward when he felt strongly about how something should be done.
The author added: The Queen’s husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, was similarly forthright, and so she was well placed to advise Catherine; after all, her marriage had lasted more than 70 years, with a fair bit of compromise required as a foundation.
