How did Kate Middleton conquer the British people?

Princess Kate Middleton

The Princess of Wales has followed the example of Queen Elizabeth II by presenting a traditional and responsible image in her public appearances.

Kate Middleton (42 years old) has appeared on thousands of covers and front pages with negative criticism and comments before becoming a public figure supported and admired. On March 22 (local time), when Kate announced that she had cancer and was in the “early stages of chemotherapy” through a video, not only the media but also individuals on social networks, who had made fun of her health for the past two months, were shocked.

Before she became world famous as the Duchess of Cambridge and then Princess of Wales, and even before she became known as the wife of the heir to the throne, Prince William, Kate climbed Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe, with her father, Michael Middleton. She comes from a family of athletic people who never shied away from a challenge, which shaped her spirit and determination.

“We have climbed many mountains together over the years. As a family, we will climb this one with you,” Kate’s brother, James William Middleton, wrote on Instagram on Friday, posting an old photo of him and Kate as children smiling in nature.

Kate was criticized by the media before becoming the public figure she is today.

Kate Middleton and Prince William celebrate their 12th wedding anniversary in 2023.

From an unloved Kate…

Soon after news of Kate’s relationship with Prince William broke, the British tabloid press accused her of being a “social climber.” Kate and her sister, Pippa, were dubbed the “Wisteria Sisters.” This was a play on words, likening them to wisteria, a common flower found on residential facades in London, known for its beauty, fragrance, and ability to climb quickly. In that sense, Kate and Pippa were accused by the media of using their relationship with William to elevate their social status.

Kate was also dubbed “Waity Katie” by the media to mock the young woman who was desperately waiting for Prince William to propose. She was also seen as a “commoner”, criticized for appearing nervous in public, having a shrill voice or wearing plain clothes. In the time of Princess Diana, who was considered a modern and glamorous figure, such conservative and traditional things were not popular. However, these were exactly the traits that were most admired in the late Elizabeth II era.

Even Netflix’s “The Crown” is based on the premise that Carole Middleton, Duchess Kate’s mother, carefully orchestrated her daughter’s path to the top of society. She decided to withdraw Kate from the University of Edinburgh after a year and transfer her to the University of St. Andrews, where Prince William was a student. This decision set the stage for Kate and William’s romantic relationship and eventual marriage.

…to a perfect Kate

On April 29, 2011, the wedding of Princess Kate and Prince William was held at Westminster Abbey. Since then, Kate has not made any mistakes or caused any controversy, at least in the view of a part of the traditional and conservative British society that respects the monarchy and its standards. She is a devoted mother to three children, George, Charlotte and Louis, and an unconditionally supportive wife. She was previously devoted to Queen Elizabeth II and is now supporting her father-in-law, King Charles III. When appearing in public or at events, Kate always shows her dignity. In other words, she has all the qualities required of a future queen.

Prince William and Kate Middleton at their wedding in 2011.

Princess Kate, Prince William and their three children attend Lambrook School.

Some critics have found Kate’s behaviour to be more calculated than natural. Hilary Mantel, a writer known to many Britons for her work on The Tudors, has described Kate as “perfectly crafted” with no flaws, “very different from Diana, who was clumsy and emotionally uncontrolled in her every move.” However, those who closely follow the inner and outer workings of the British royal family, as well as those who dislike excessive ostentation, have come to love a woman who takes her duties as a member of the British royal family seriously and responsibly. The Windsors have always known that a smile is a more effective communication weapon than any public statement, and Kate has never stopped smiling.

Kate admitted to author Giovanna Fletcher that she felt “a little bit scared” when she had to introduce newborn Prince George to the media from the hospital in 2013. It’s a tradition that all the royal women follow, with the exception of Meghan Markle. Despite her reservations, Kate reiterated Queen Elizabeth II’s principle of prioritizing duty over personal needs. “For us to be able to share that joy and appreciation with the public, I felt it was really important,” she explained.

In recent days, the Princess of Wales has perhaps discovered that the public’s appetite for information is strong. And that information is not just about positive or joyful events, but also about sad ones. Despite her initial reluctance and her desire to protect her three children, Kate has decided to reveal her health status to the world. And in doing so, she has returned to the pinnacle she worked so hard to reach: the one place where she can feel protected.