It’s not an easy job, playing second fiddle to a monarch. But future queen Catherine, Princess of Wales has been preparing for when she’ll be consort by following the example of someone who is the perfect role model.
Her late grandfather-in-law, Prince Philip, has been a huge influence on Kate and even though he’s no longer around to share his wisdom, his legacy of how to carry out the tricky job of being the sovereign’s other half will help Prince William’s wife when her turn comes to tackle the position.
Kate, 43, won’t want to take on the role anytime soon, but the King’s cancer diagnosis has forced the royal family and their aides to look ahead to a time when King William V is on the throne and Queen Catherine is by his side.
Kate knows she will play a pivotal role in William’s tenure as King. She started learning from Philip about what makes a good consort when she joined the royal family in 2011.
Philip, who married the late Queen in 1947, was pleased when William, 42, started dating Kate, according to author Gyles Brandreth. The Duke of Edinburgh had been saddened that his former daughter-in-law, Princess Diana, had “allowed her popularity to go to her head”, says Gyles, and was relieved to find Kate was “such a level-headed girl”.
William, while paying tribute to Philip after his death at 99 in April 2021, said he was grateful “that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness he showed her”.
Philip gave her some strong advice right from the beginning, says Gyles. “He told her, ‘If you believe the attention is for you personally, you’re going to end up in trouble. The attention is for your role, what you do, what you’re supporting. It isn’t for you as an individual. You are not a celebrity. You represent the royal family. That’s all.’”
Philip also gave her instructions on how to behave while in public, tells Gyles. “Don’t look at the camera. The Queen never looks at the camera. Look at who you’re talking to.”
Former naval officer Philip had to give up a career he loved when his wife became Queen in 1952. There were times when he grumbled about his role, including being unhappy that his children didn’t take his surname (a protocol he got Elizabeth to change in 1960).
But he always understood that being married to the Queen came with an extensive set of rules.
“It was always a challenging role to take, but he did it with the most extraordinary flair, tact and diplomacy,” says his youngest son, Prince Edward, 61. “He never tried to overshadow the Queen in any shape or form.”
That’s something Kate has learned in her years in the royal family.
“She never tries to outshine William,” says royal biographer Penny Junor. “She’s not on an ego trip and her head has not been turned by celebrity. She’s like Prince Philip was.”
Nor is she in her husband’s shadow. And although fans see her role as a supporting one, she has a lot of sway that the public doesn’t always see.
“She is hugely influential behind the scenes in hiring staff and the decision-making,” says an insider. “They’re a good double act.”
Kate also sees her role as making life easier for William. That way, he can focus on his royal duties without sacrificing family time.
“She is very good at acting as a gatekeeper to ensure William can do his work while also finding time to be a hands-on father, and that everyone understands that this is the deal.”
Royal author Tom Quinn says Kate will make a perfect consort for William because their personalities are so complementary.
“Kate is so calm and stable, and that’s what William needs. She’s a rock. And I think that’s why the royal family feels very safe.”
Court Jester
Kate and Philip had a close bond, and people often saw him making her laugh at family events. Their connection actually went back to before they met – as a teenager, Kate took part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, founded by Philip in 1956. She once recalled trying to complete an activity to earn her gold award, but things not going to plan.
“I can remember trying to cook bacon in the soaking wet,” she said at an event. “Everything was just sopping. I remember saying, ‘You know what, I think we’re just going to have plain sandwiches. Bread, basic bread and butter.”
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