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Queen Elizabeth’s Special Bond with Kate Middleton Revealed: Intense Training, One-on-One Meetings, and Honors
It is no secret that Queen Elizabeth II had a special place in her heart for Kate Middleton.
The Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen shared a close bond, with the monarch offering guidance and support to her granddaughter-in-law.
Their relationship was built on their similar personalities and shared interests in photography and animals.
The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, spoke fondly of the bond that his grandmother developed with Kate over the years.
He revealed that the two women got along famously and praised the late monarch for the wisdom she passed on to Kate.
It was clear that the Queen saw potential in Kate as a future queen consort.
During their time living at Kensington Palace, Kate would often meet the Queen at her Buckingham Palace residence for one-on-one meetings.
These gatherings were sometimes informal, over a cup of afternoon tea, while other times, they were more formal and involved intense training sessions about the responsibilities of the crown.
To show her fondness for Kate, the Queen awarded her special privileges.
One such privilege was a direct contact number for the late monarch, allowing Kate to seek advice and keep her updated on the growth of her three great-grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
This direct line of communication demonstrated the trust and respect the Queen had for Kate.
One of the most significant honors bestowed upon Kate was the appointment as a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) in 2019.
This prestigious honor, which is the highest female ranking in the order, recognizes services to the sovereign.
It was first introduced by Queen Victoria in 1896 as a personal gesture of gratitude to those who had directly assisted or represented her across the Empire.
The timing of the appointment was particularly meaningful, as it coincided with Kate and Prince William's 8th wedding anniversary.
Many royal commentators saw this as a clear indication of the Queen's approval and admiration for their relationship.
Kate proudly wore the GCVO honor at a state dinner, where she welcomed then President Donald Trump to the UK.
Joining the ranks of other esteemed female royals, such as the Queen consort Camilla and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Kate's GCVO title now forms part of her name.
It serves as a testament to her dedication and service to the sovereign and the royal family.