As the British monarchy evolves in a new era under King Charles III, public interest in the royal family’s inner workings remains strong. Among the most admired royal figures today is Catherine, Princess of Wales, whose growing role in the monarchy reflects her steady rise in public service, diplomacy, and national representation.
While much has been written about Catherine’s relationship with Queen Elizabeth II, interest recently intensified following discussions about the late monarch’s personal admiration for her granddaughter-in-law. Drawing from verified accounts and official public records, this article explores the known facts about the bond between Queen Elizabeth II and the Princess of Wales—formerly known as Kate Middleton—and how that relationship has shaped the future of the Crown.
A Shared Commitment to Duty and Grace
Catherine, Princess of Wales, formally joined the royal family upon her marriage to Prince William in April 2011. From the beginning, she was widely praised for her discretion, respectful approach to tradition, and commitment to charitable causes. Over the years, her public image has been consistently one of professionalism and grace.
Queen Elizabeth II, known for her sense of duty, was believed to appreciate Catherine’s calm and composed presence. According to royal commentators such as Robert Hardman, author of Queen of Our Times: The Life of Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen regarded Catherine as a stabilizing force in the family—someone who valued both privacy and responsibility.
While Queen Elizabeth II rarely made personal endorsements public, her actions over the years reflected trust in Catherine’s role. For instance, Catherine received the Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II—a special honor worn by female members of the royal family—marking the Queen’s formal recognition of her service.
Working Together in Public Life
Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II carried out thousands of engagements and state duties. As Catherine gradually took on more responsibilities, she often accompanied the Queen to official events. One memorable appearance occurred in 2012 during the Diamond Jubilee, when the Queen invited Catherine to join her on engagements without other senior royals present—a sign of confidence in the young royal’s abilities.
In later years, Catherine continued to represent the monarchy at high-profile engagements, both domestically and abroad. Her initiatives through The Royal Foundation and her leadership on early childhood development, mental health, and family wellbeing are well-documented contributions to public life.
According to royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith, Catherine’s steady ascent was marked by a deliberate approach: “She has followed the Queen’s example of duty first, family second, and privacy always.”
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Public Support and Popularity
Public opinion polls conducted by YouGov UK consistently rank Catherine among the most popular members of the royal family. As of 2025, she remains in the top three, alongside her husband Prince William and the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Catherine’s popularity is rooted not only in her role as a future Queen Consort but also in her modern, relatable image. Her appearances in early years campaigns, school visits, and mental health initiatives reflect an empathetic and hands-on approach, traits that have earned her widespread respect.
In contrast to the fast-paced news cycle surrounding the monarchy, Catherine has maintained a steady and drama-free public persona. This mirrors the late Queen Elizabeth’s long-standing philosophy of “never complain, never explain.”
The Transition After the Queen’s Passing
Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle, ending a 70-year reign—the longest in British history. Her passing marked a significant transition for the monarchy, ushering in the reign of King Charles III.
Since then, the Princess of Wales has taken on a more prominent role in state matters, including solo visits abroad, representing the U.K. at diplomatic events, and strengthening ties within the Commonwealth. Notably, she has worn jewelry historically associated with the Queen, including the Queen’s pearl choker and diamond earrings, symbolizing continuity and reverence.
No Secret Confession—Just Public Example
While some publications have circulated speculative stories about private conversations between Queen Elizabeth II and Catherine in the days before her passing, no official record or confirmation exists from Buckingham Palace regarding such claims. The Royal Household has not released any personal diary entries or posthumous statements attributed to the late Queen about specific individuals.
Instead, royal historians and commentators emphasize the public record of the Queen’s actions and interactions. Her visible support of Catherine, from honors bestowed to shared appearances, speaks volumes about the confidence she had in the future Princess of Wales.
In interviews with BBC News and The Times, royal insiders have noted that the Queen valued character, discretion, and long-term dedication—qualities she believed were essential to the stability of the monarchy. By those standards, Catherine has proven to embody much of what the late Queen represented.
The Evolving Role of the Princess of Wales
Today, Catherine is not only a mother of three and the wife of the heir apparent—she is a leader in her own right. Through initiatives like The Centre for Early Childhood, launched under The Royal Foundation in 2021, she advocates for research and policy change around child development, family support systems, and early education.
Additionally, Catherine continues to expand her work on maternal mental health, supporting healthcare professionals and creating awareness campaigns in collaboration with NHS England and other organizations.
Her quiet leadership style and long-term commitment to service reflect a modern version of royal duty—one that connects deeply with a new generation of Britons and international audiences.
Conclusion: The Future in Trusted Hands
There is no documented “confession” or hidden message from Queen Elizabeth II regarding Catherine, Princess of Wales. However, through years of public appearances, royal honors, and shared duties, the late Queen made her admiration for Catherine clear in action and presence.
As the royal family adapts to a new era, Catherine’s role continues to grow in significance. While she may never carry Queen Elizabeth’s title, she carries forward many of the same values—duty, discretion, resilience, and grace.
These qualities will undoubtedly guide her as she supports Prince William in his future role as king and helps shape the monarchy for generations to come.
