When she first started taking part in official royal engagements, the Princess of Wales had one particular habit that she had to learn to correct, but it became something of a running joke in the Royal Family
These days, the Princess of Wales rarely puts a foot wrong and is always picture-perfect when she undertakes official royal engagements. But, just like everyone else, when she was a beginner she didn’t have it all quite down to pat straight away and it took her some practice to get into the swing of things.
Despite the fact that Kate had been Prince William’s long-term girlfriend for many years, it was only after their wedding that she was able to start conducting royal duties and at first she had one particular habit that became something of a running joke in the House of Windsor.
In an interview marking the late Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday, Kate revealed that her in-laws would “tease” her about the habit, which she had to learn to correct over time.
Kate explained that it even occurred during her very first engagement with the late Queen, saying: ” The most memorable engagement for me I suppose was an away day to Leicester and I went without William so I was rather apprehensive about that.
“I think there is a real art to walkabouts, everyone teases me in the family that I spend far too long chatting so I think I’ve still got to learn a little bit more and pick up a few more tips I suppose.”
However, she explained that her grandmother-in-law was kind that day and really helped show her the ropes: “She was very supportive. The fact she took the time to make sure that I was happy and looked after for that particular occasion, which probably in everything that she’s doing is a very small element, which just shows how caring she is, really.”
Kate is one of the most consistently popular royals, last year taking the top spot for the first time in YouGov polling, and currently ranking at 64 percent approval from the public.
In part, this is down to her easy manner and ability to charm the public when she is out and about conducting her duties. However, old habits can die hard, and despite admitting she has tried to curb her instinct to have a good long natter with those she meets over the years, not too long ago her husband William was spotted having to hurry her along as she chatted at a wedding.
William and Kate were in Jordan for the royal wedding between Crown Prince Al Hussein of Jordan and Princess Rajwa in 2023 – and all the guests were lining up to offer their congratulations to the newlyweds and have a quick catch up.
As the conversation went on, William was spotted on camera signalling to with his hands Kate to wrap up her conversation with the bride and groom so the line could keep moving.