Catherine, the Princess of Wales, embodies the essence of a modern-day princess. When she began her relationship with Prince William, Queen Elizabeth had her reservations about welcoming her into the British royal family. It wasn't until 2008, when the relationship became serious, that she first met the Sovereign. Shortly after, it was time for the Duchess of Cambridge's parents to meet Her Majesty as well, during a warm and pleasant lunch.
Concerned that Catherine might feel isolated and disconnected, much like Princess Diana had, Queen Elizabeth was eager to integrate her relatives into the royal family. According to a royal source, the Queen invited Carol and Michael Middleton to Windsor Castle to break the ice during their first meeting. The source described the lunch as "delicious and very warm," filled with laughter that helped put everyone at ease. The meal lasted about an hour and a half, and the Queen was eager to meet them, saying it would be a nice gesture. Known for her efficient dining style, she was not one to linger over lunch.
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II marked the end of the longest reign in British history, a time in which the nation had known no other monarch. As the royal family entered a new era, tributes poured in from around the world. The late Queen was not just the nation's longest-serving monarch; she was also a devoted grandmother to her eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren—a role she cherished deeply. Her commitment to royal duties was renowned, but it was her profound affection for her family that truly warmed the public's hearts, as seen in intimate photos and anecdotes shared by those close to her.
Reports suggest that the Princess of Wales had a direct line to the Queen, allowing her to hear from Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Katherine has previously spoken about the Queen's affection for her grandchildren, affectionately calling her "Gan-Gan." She revealed that the Queen would leave little gifts for them during visits, showcasing her love for her family.
In a 2016 TV documentary, *Our Queen at 90*, the Royal mother of three shared her joy at the arrival of Princess Charlotte, stating, “It's very special having a new little girl in the family. We’re very lucky that George has got a sister.” The Queen was thrilled with the news, and as soon as they returned to Kensington, she was one of their first visitors. Katherine emphasized the Queen’s fondness for Charlotte, noting that she always kept an eye on what the little girl was up to.
Katherine also reminisced about the warmth and kindness the late Queen extended to her personally, particularly during their first official engagement together in March 2019. “I was rather apprehensive about it,” she recalled, “but the Queen was very supportive, making sure I was happy and looked after.” This gesture was a small yet significant example of her caring nature.
The late Monarch was also famously seen sharing a charming moment with Prince Louis on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the Platinum Jubilee flypast in 2022. Just two days before the Queen's passing in September 2022, Katherine shared a heartbreaking comment about Louis’s sweet words regarding his great-grandmother while meeting well-wishers outside Windsor Castle. “The whole nation's being very brave, aren't they?” she told an emotional visitor. “Don’t worry, I have plenty of moments like this too. My little Louie, he’s just so sweet. He said, ‘Don’t worry, she’s with Great Grandpa.’” This sentiment highlights how special the Queen was to everyone across generations.
