Queen Elizabeth II personally mentored Kate Middleton for future royal leadership

Royal expert Jenny Bond has highlighted the profound influence the late Queen Elizabeth II had on the Princess of Wales, noting that the monarch personally helped prepare Kate for her future role as a leading figure in the British monarchy.

While Catherine has established herself as "very much her own woman," Bond explained that her confidence and public charisma are deeply rooted in the lessons of dignity and duty imparted by her Majesty.

According to Bond, the most significant lesson Kate adopted from the late Queen was the art of engagement—learning how to "smile and engage with thousands of strangers" for whom a brief encounter is a lifelong memory.

As the Royal Family approaches the centenary of Queen Elizabeth’s birth, the Princess is said to be carrying out her duties "in full swing," blending modern royalty with the traditional stoicism she observed during her years under the Queen's guidance.

Bond noted that while Prince William intends to embrace institutional change, the couple remains acutely aware that the late Queen’s global admiration makes her a "tough act for anyone to follow."

The Princess's recent return to a full schedule of public engagements serves as a testament to this preparation.

By maintaining a balance between her personal style and the "dignity of the role," Catherine is increasingly seen as the steadying force of the modern monarchy.

As the Royal Family prepares to commemorate the Queen’s legacy, the focus remains on how the Princess of Wales continues to honour those foundational lessons while navigating the complexities of 2026.