The Evolution of Kate Middleton's Bond with King Charles III Over Time
Since marrying Prince William in April 2011, Kate Middleton has become an integral part of the royal family, including her special connection with her father-in-law, King Charles III. Explore the nuances and developments in their relationship through the years.
Princess Kate Middleton became a part of the royal family in April 2011 when she married Prince William, the eldest son of King Charles III.
The couple first crossed paths while studying at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. As their friendship grew, they eventually began a romantic relationship. During this time, William introduced Kate to his family.
During her first visit to Balmoral, Kate met Charles and impressed him with her grace, according to royal expert Christopher Andersen in his 2011 book William and Kate: A Royal Love Story.
As William and Kate's relationship progressed, they showed continuous support for Charles and the monarchy. Kate became a regular presence at both her husband and father-in-law's public events.
Charles became king in September 2022 following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. In May 2023, during his coronation, he passed on his previous titles of Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge to William.
If you keep reading, you can learn more about Kate's relationship with her father-in-law, Charles.
King Charles Relationship With Daughter in Law Kate Through the Years
Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock (2)
King Charles III’s Relationship With Daughter-in-Law Kate Middleton Through the Years
Princess Kate Middleton became a part of the royal family in April 2011 when she married Prince William, the eldest son of King Charles III.
William and Kate met while studying at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. They started off as friends and later began dating. As their relationship blossomed, William introduced Kate to his family.
On her first visit to Balmoral, Kate faced a big test - meeting Charles. According to royal expert Christopher Andersen, in his book William and Kate: A Royal Love Story, Kate made a good impression on Charles with her graceful demeanor.
Throughout William and Kate’s relationship and eventual marriage, they always stood by Charles and the monarchy. Kate was often seen accompanying her husband and father-in-law to various public events.
In September 2022, Charles ascended to the throne following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. During his coronation in May 2023, he passed on his previous titles of Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge to William.
Scroll below to revisit Kate’s relationship with her father-in-law, Charles:
King Charles Relationship With Daughter in Law Kate Through the Years
Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock (2)
December 2006
Kate made one of her early public appearances at William's Sovereign's Parade at Sandhurst. This event marks the graduation of military cadets in front of the reigning monarch. As Queen Elizabeth inspected William's uniform, Kate, along with her parents Michael and Carole Middleton, sat in the front row next to Charles and Queen Camilla.
King Charles Relationship With Daughter in Law Kate Through the Years
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April 2011
When William and Kate were getting ready to get married, Charles played a key role in helping with their plans.
In a radio interview on Classic FM in May 2020, the prince shared, "I enjoy putting together some interesting music selections for special events, like weddings. My oldest son was very open to my suggestions for their wedding. I hope it brought some joy to people. It's fun to have orchestras play at big events like that, so why not suggest a few songs once in a while? I really like doing it."
After the nuptials, William and Kate drove off in Charles’ Aston Martin vehicle.
King Charles Relationship With Daughter in Law Kate Through the Years
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December 2012
Becoming a grandfather in my old age is a lovely thought, I must say," Charles happily shared with reporters when asked about Kate's first pregnancy. "I'm absolutely thrilled, it's just marvelous."
King Charles Relationship With Daughter in Law Kate Through the Years
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July 2017
Charles greeted Kate with a peck on the cheek during a family appearance at the Tyne Cot cemetery to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the battle of Passchendaele.
King Charles Relationship With Daughter in Law Kate Through the Years
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June 2021
Kate joined Charles at the Eden Project on June 11 and affectionately greeted him, saying, "Hello, Grandpa! How are you?"
The king is a grandfather to five children - three from William and two from Harry. Harry and Meghan Markle's children, son Prince Archie and daughter Princess Lilibet, are part of the royal family.
King Charles Relationship With Daughter in Law Kate Through the Years
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February 2022
Kate joined her in-laws at the Prince’s Foundation training site.
King Charles Relationship With Daughter in Law Kate Through the Years
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June 2022
Will and Kate were all smiles as they rode in an open-top carriage with Charles and Camilla en route to the annual Garter Day celebrations.
King Charles Relationship With Daughter in Law Kate Through the Years
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September 2022
The sovereign named Kate the new Princess of Wales — to accompany William’s Prince of Wales title — after his ascension.
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December 2022
Charles then chose Kate to be the Colonel of the Irish Guards, a position that was previously held by William. (William was given this honor by the queen in 2011 before his wedding day.)
King Charles Relationship With Daughter in Law Kate Through the Years
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May 2023
After being blessed and anointed as England's monarchs, Charles and Camilla started their procession out of Westminster Abbey. Kate showed her respect by curtsying as the king passed by her pew.
King Charles and Kate s Relationship Through the Years
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March 2024
Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis in March of this year. Charles also disclosed his battle with the illness around the same time, showing his support for Kate. Buckingham Palace released a statement expressing the King's pride in Kate's courage and openness about her diagnosis. The statement also mentioned that both Charles and Camilla will continue to offer love and support to the entire family during this challenging period.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the evolving relationship between King Charles III and his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton. It reveals that Kate made a positive impression on Charles during her first meeting, which likely laid the foundation for their strong bond. Throughout William and Kate's relationship, they have consistently demonstrated support for Charles and the monarchy, attending public events and contributing to royal initiatives.
Charles's affection for Kate is evident in his role in their wedding planning, his excitement upon hearing about her first pregnancy, and his bestowal of important titles such as Princess of Wales and Colonel of the Irish Guards. Kate's respect for Charles is reciprocated, as seen in her warm greetings and the curtsy she performed at his coronation. The article concludes with a touching note about Charles's support for Kate during her cancer diagnosis, showcasing the strength of their family bond.
