Kate Middleton married Prince William on April 29, 2011, and has been one of the most closely watched figures in the British royal family for more than 15 years. According to royal historian Catherine Mayer, the Princess of Wales has found a "very clever" way to adapt to the constant pressure that comes with the role.
Speaking on an episode of Hello! magazine's royal podcast, Mayer said Kate speaks very little in public and almost never shares intimate details from her personal life.
“She has done an incredibly smart job of finding the right way to fit into the royal institution,” Mayer said. “That doesn’t mean it’s been easy.”
The author of the book "Divide and Conquer: Royal Women and Their Battles" added that the future queen has also carefully chosen her social circle.
"She speaks very little and almost never divulges personal details. She and William have also chosen a group of friends who, as is well known, only speak to the media when asked and not publicly. Otherwise, they don't speak at all," Mayer explained.
Kate met William in 2001, when they were both first-year students at the University of St Andrews. The historian believes her studies in art history, which she completed in 2005, have helped her better understand how public image works.
“I’ve seen her become more and more proficient in the use of imagery,” Mayer said. “It’s not just about being inducted into the National Portrait Gallery or taking photographs herself. She understands very well how to use imagery to fulfill her royal role.”
The princess frequently posts photos of her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, which Mayer says is a clever strategy to control how much exposure they get to the public.
"She is also considered the initiator of the idea of ??publishing intimate family photos, not to violate her privacy, but to protect it, because in this way the paparazzi photos lose the value they would otherwise have. It is really very smart," she said.
In an interview with People, Mayer said that today Kate is the most beloved and sought-after figure in the royal family.
"Kate is the closest person to superstar status in the royal family and is what everyone wants to see."
According to her, this constitutes a great burden, especially for someone who has gone through serious health challenges, referring to her diagnosis with cancer in 2024. After the public announcement of the diagnosis in March of that year, her first public appearance was at the traditional June ceremony.
“Kate not only had to appear energetic and in control of her role, but she knew she would be scrutinized more than ever before,” Mayer said.
In 2025, Kate announced that her illness was in remission and has since gradually returned to her royal duties. She has taken part in official engagements in and outside the UK, including a visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy last month, her first solo international trip since her diagnosis, which attracted significant media attention.
