While Kate Middleton is now widely praised for her poise, royal grace, and strict adherence to tradition, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the future Queen. Before her 2011 wedding to Prince William, Kate reportedly faced serious scrutiny from within the monarchy, so much so that Queen Elizabeth II allegedly saw her as a potential problem.
Though Meghan Markle’s entry into royal life drew headlines for the intense vetting she endured, royal insiders reveal that Kate faced similar judgment. According to royal expert Katie Nicholl, the late Queen had concerns about Kate’s lifestyle and lack of a clear career path prior to her engagement to William.
“If Kate was not with William at Balmoral, then the couple were skiing or holidaying on Mustique,” Nicholl wrote in The Daily Mail. “Kate was there so often the press dubbed her Queen of Mustique, a title that had previously belonged to Princess Margaret.”
This portrayal of Kate didn’t sit well with the public, especially during a time when much of the UK was facing a harsh recession. The royal couple’s frequent luxury getaways drew criticism, with many seeing them as out of touch with the average Briton.
Nicholl explained that Queen Elizabeth took note of the optics. “Such frivolous displays of wealth were unpalatable to the Queen,” she noted. “While the rest of the world speculated that an engagement was on the horizon for William and Kate, the Queen believed an announcement should be postponed until Kate was settled in a career.”
A senior royal aide revealed that the Queen even consulted a small circle of close confidantes to address what was referred to as the “Kate problem.” According to the insider, the Queen expressed concerns about Kate’s lack of professional experience, saying,
“If Kate is one day going to be William’s consort, then she needs a proper job.” The late monarch, known for her sense of duty and commitment to a modern monarchy, was reportedly firm in her belief that royal figures should lead by example, especially during economically challenging times.
“She felt very strongly that the Royals should be leading by example,” the aide added. Kate eventually took on several part-time roles and charity work before becoming officially engaged to William. Upon their marriage in 2011, the couple was bestowed the titles of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Kate began her transformation into one of the most admired and respected members of the Royal Family.
Now, the Princess of Wales and a future Queen Consort, Kate’s earlier challenges have become part of the long journey that prepared her for the throne.