The Princess of Wales has followed the example of Queen Elizabeth II by showing a traditional image and a sense of responsibility in public appearances.


Princess Kate Middleton

Princess Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton (42 years old) appeared on thousands of covers and front pages with criticism and negative comments before becoming a figure supported and admired by the public. On March 22 (local time), when Kate said she had cancer and was in the “early stages of chemotherapy” through a video, not only the media but also individuals on social networks , the people who had been making fun of her health for the past two months, were shocked.

Before she was famous around the world as the Duchess of Cambridge and then Princess of Wales, and even before she was known as the wife of the heir to the throne, Prince William , Kate climbed Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps and Western Europe, with his father Michael Middleton. She comes from a sports-oriented family and has never shied away from challenges, which has shaped her strong spirit and determination.

“We have climbed many mountains together over the years. As a family, everyone will climb this mountain with me too,” Kate’s younger brother, James William Middleton, wrote on his Instagram account on Thursday. Six years ago, he posted an old photo of him and Kate when they were kids and smiling in nature.

Kate was criticized by the media before becoming the person supported by the public today.

Kate Middleton and Prince William celebrate their 12th wedding anniversary in 2023.

From an unloved Kate…

Immediately after news of Kate and Prince William’s relationship became public, the British tabloid press accused her of being a “social climber” (someone who likes to hang out with rich people). Kate and her younger sister, Pippa, are called the “Wisteria sisters”. This is a play on words likening them to wisteria, a common flower on the facades of residential areas in London, with its beauty, fragrance and ability to climb quickly. In that sense, Kate and Pippa are considered by the media to be taking advantage of their relationship with William to enhance their social status.

Kate is also called “Waity Katie” by the media to mock the young girl who is desperately waiting for Prince William to propose. She was also considered a “commoner”, criticized for appearing nervous when appearing in public, having a shrill voice, or wearing monotonous clothes. During the time of Princess Diana, who was considered a modern and glamorous figure, such conservatism and tradition were not popular. Yet these characteristics were precisely those most admired in the late Elizabeth II period.

Even Netflix’s series “The Crown” (Vietnamese title: Hoang Quyen) is based on the theory that Carole Middleton, Princess Kate’s mother, carefully orchestrated the path to bring her daughter to the top of society. She decided to withdraw Kate from Edinburgh University after she had studied there for a year and transfer her to St. Andrews, where Prince William studied. This decision sets the stage for Kate and William’s romantic relationship and ultimately their marriage.

…to the perfect Kate

On April 29, 2011, the wedding of Princess Kate and Prince William was held at Westminster Abbey. Since then, Kate has not made any mistakes or caused any controversy, at least from the point of view of a traditional and conservative segment of British society that values ​​the monarchy and its norms. . She was a devoted mother to three children, George, Charlotte and Louis, and an unconditionally supportive wife. She was previously devoted to Queen Elizabeth II and now supports her father-in-law, King Charles III. When appearing in public or at events, Kate always behaves appropriately. In other words, she has all the qualities required of a future queen.

Prince William and Kate Middleton at their wedding in 2011.

Princess Kate, Prince William and their three children go to Lambrook school.

Some critics say Kate’s behavior is more calculated than natural. Hilary Mantel, a writer known to many British people thanks to the movie “The Tudors” (Vietnamese title Tudor Dynasty), said that Kate is “perfectly created” with no flaws, “very different from Diana.” , who is clumsy and lacks control over her emotions, which is reflected in her every gesture.” However, those who closely follow all activities in and out of the British royal family, as well as those who do not like excessive ostentation, have come to love a woman who takes seriously and responsibly the duties associated with the royal family. his role as a member of the British royal family. The Windsor family has always known that a smile is a more effective communication weapon than any public statement, and Kate has never stopped smiling.

Kate once admitted to author Giovanna Fletcher that she felt “a bit scary” when she had to introduce newborn Prince George to the media from the hospital in 2013. This is a tradition that all royal women follow. all complied, except for Meghan Markle. Despite her reservations, Kate echoed Queen Elizabeth II’s principle of prioritizing duty over personal needs. “For us to be able to share that joy and appreciation with the public, I feel like it’s really important,” she explained.

In recent days, perhaps the Princess of Wales discovered that the public’s need for clear information is very great. And that information is not only positive or happy events but also sad ones. Despite initial reluctance and a desire to protect her three children, Kate decided to reveal her health condition to the world. And in doing so, she returned to the pinnacle she had worked so hard to conquer: the only place she could feel protected.