When Kate married Prince William in 2011, she was marrying into the Royal Family as the future of the institution. As she settled into her duties as the Duchess of Cambridge, and later the Princess of Wales, navigating public appearances and royal duties, the late Queen Elizabeth II was there to lend a helping hand. 

Kate first met the Queen in 2008, and had developed a close bond with the late monarch before her death in 2011. According to royal author Russell Myers, the Queen took on a mentoring role in the early days of Kate’s relationship with her grandson William. 

“Right from the off, the Queen was really interested in Catherine as a person, and really interested in being able to support her and mentor her as well,” he said in a sit-down interview with The Mirror ahead of his forthcoming book, William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story. Kate joined the Queen on her first solo outing in March 2019 – nearly eighth years on from her wedding in April 2011.  

Queen Elizabeth II and Kate in 2012© Getty ImagesQueen Elizabeth II and Kate in 2012

Russell revealed that Kate and the late Queen’s relationship “really extended beyond offering her certain jewellery for her wedding”. On her wedding day, Kate wore the Cartier ‘Halo’ tiara, which was an 18th birthday gift to Elizabeth II from the Queen Mother. While that was the only occasion she has worn the borrowed tiara, she has since borrowed jewellery from the late Queen since. 

“There was a real sense that the Queen was looking out for her as well,” Russell said. “She had invited her for private chats. She spoke to her about headstrong husbands, which she had certain experience of,” he continued, adding that Kate “really took that to heart”. 

“She adored the late Queen. She really appreciated the love and guidance and support that she had given her.”

The Queen’s advice

According to Russell in his new book, the Queen shared marriage advice to Kate ahead of her nuptials to Prince William. Kate had met with the Queen on her own at Buckingham Palace ahead of her wedding. 

He wrote that “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. 

“According to one former courtier, the Queen offered words of encouragement to Catherine regarding her future role as a senior member of the family, as well as guidance in how to deal with ‘head- strong’ husbands. William had a reputation among his staff and family for being down to earth and thoughtful, preferring to be addressed by his first name instead of His Royal Highness or Sir, but he could also be direct and plain-spoken when he wanted things done a particular way.”

Kate developed a close bond with the Queen© Getty ImagesKate developed a close bond with the Queen
Kate frequently borrows from the Queen

Kate has borrowed cherished heirlooms from the late Queen on numerous occasions. In 2017, for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace in honour of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, Kate wore a ruby floral necklace that had reportedly been gifted to Elizabeth II by her parents as a wedding gift. 

Kate has also worn the Queen’s diamond bracelet, given to her by Prince Philip, in 2015, and the Lover’s Knot tiara, which was also worn by her late mother-in-law Princess Diana, among other jewellery pieces over the years. Â