[imagesource:wikimediacommons]

It is probably true for most of us that the way we present ourselves at work is often quite different from who we are at home or among close friends.

If that’s true for most of us, it’s only natural that the British royal family would be no exception.

After the 2023 royal Christmas walk, a body language expert praised Kate Middleton, as “a true royal” for her graceful and composed presence, though there are moments when her usual poise appears to waver. Behind closed doors, however, Kate is reportedly much different from the polished figure we see in public.

Robert Jobson, author of Catherine, the Princess of Wales, sat down with The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show to share his take on what Kate is really like.

“The reality is I have spoken to her; I think she’s very careful with what she says to the press,” Jobson said. “… I think she’s not overly gushing.” Jobson also explained how he felt that Kate wasn’t as stuffy as she seemed.

“The image that’s presented is a bit of an enigma, I think, but she’s a lot more fun,” he said. “And I think that we don’t really see it because she doesn’t really like to let her guard down.”

He also remarked that her being seen laughing could be a sign that she’s self-assured and has a good sense of humour.

Prince William and Kate dropped by Nessa’s famous arcade in Gavin & Stacey while on a visit to Barry Island, and truth be told, we think they loved it https://t.co/3Crqblswfy pic.twitter.com/EOx2FVQWFp

— ITV Wales News (@ITVWales) August 5, 2020

Another royal expert offers a contrasting perspective on the true nature of the Princess of Wales. Following the release of Omid Scobie’s 2023 book, Endgame, a scandal erupted when the Dutch translation implicated Kate and King Charles III in comments about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son’s skin tone before his birth.

This allegation echoed a claim from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their explosive Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021, though they refrained from naming the individuals involved. In the wake of the Dutch translation controversy, both Kate and William, Prince of Wales, maintained their composure at official engagements, choosing not to respond to reporters’ inquiries regarding the matter.

Kate Middleton shows up at the King’s Birthday Parade. pic.twitter.com/76eHRlXZ1b

— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) June 15, 2024

Valentine Low, author of Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown, told People that “a lot of people who have worked with Kate] think she is such an asset to the royal family because she has this amazing professionalism”.

Low also spoke of Kate’s personality in public and otherwise, saying, “She has this public image of being nice and smiley and, dare I say, innocuous. But she is actually strong-minded, strong-willed, and prepared to fight for what she wants and what she thinks is right.”

Low wrote in his book that he felt Queen Elizabeth II’s official statement after the Winfrey interview was championed by Kate.

The British royal family is said to adhere to the mantra “never complain, never explain,” which might explain why Kate often appears so composed and polished, potentially concealing the full depth of her true personality from the public eye.

However, in March 2024, she bravely shared her emotional journey regarding a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis, offering a glimpse into her more vulnerable side.

About a year prior while speaking to a group of schoolchildren at the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2023, she also gave a refreshingly simple yet honest response to what life as a princess was like.

“You have to work hard, but you know the best thing about it is meeting kiddies like you,” Kate said (via Daily Mail). “They help support all the different people in the country, showcase all the amazing work being done, and look after everyone.”

Her sentiment on working hard is likely true since Kate has more power in the royal family than anyone might realise.

[source:thelist]