Queen Elizabeth II went out of her way to make Kate Middleton, now 42, feel like a member of the royal family when she spent her first royal Christmas at Sandringham. It was in 2011, seven months after his marriage to Prince William.
Kate Middleton spoke about this experience in an ITV documentary called Our Queen at 90. The Princess of Wales revealed she gave homemade chutney to Queen Elizabeth II of England, a recipe from her grandmother. His Majesty's reaction far exceeded his expectations.
Kate Middleton: the effect of her gift on Queen Elizabeth II
This gift could have been a faux pas, but the next day, Kate Middleton found it served on the table. The Princess of Wales said deeply touched by this gesture by declaring: “This just shows his thoughtfulness and concern to take care of everyone“.
This first royal Christmas remains emblematic of the way in which Elizabeth II knew how to use subtle gestures to forge strong personal relationships. “What really resonates with me is his love for simple things.”added the wife of Prince William.
© Bestimage Queen Elizabeth II, keen to put her new daughter-in-law at ease, made a discreet but significant gesture that marked this moment.
Elizabeth II and Kate Middleton: like a grandmother and her granddaughter
Over time, Catherine Middleton developed a special relationship with the British monarch. This closeness was manifested in various public moments, such as an outing to Leicester where Queen Elizabeth II of England took care to guide the Princess of Wales. “It shows how caring she really is.“, admits Kate Middleton.
According to Richard Kay, journalist at Daily Mailthe trust between the two women has strengthened over time. It goes beyond the simple royal formality to become true affectioncomparable to a bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter.
