Princess Kate was tipped to follow Queen Camilla and “refuse” Princess Diana’s royal title, a commentator has claimed.
Since her relationship with Prince William became public, Kate, 42, has been drawing comparisons with the late Princess Diana.
The much-beloved princess remains an iconic figure in the public consciousness, and this almost inspired Kate to turn down the use of the title of Princess of Wales, according to reports.
Author Robert Jobson wrote in his new book: “In marrying the elder son of Prince Charles, Catherine was aware she’d one day have to tread in her late mother-in-law’s footsteps—but the prospect of becoming the Princess of Wales held little appeal.
“She knew she’d inevitably be compared with Diana, whose untimely death had provoked such a tsunami of anger and grief. And she was right.
“The similarities and differences between the two women were dissected ad infinitum, and even discussed in the royal household.”
He continued in Catherine, Princess of Wales: “Kate found all such talk stressful. Indeed, it got to the point where she felt she might follow Camilla (who opted to become Duchess of Cornwall) in refusing—when the time came—to be known as HRH Princess of Wales.”
When King Charles acceded to the throne in 2022, his eldest son Prince William inherited a number of his titles, including the Duke of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales, the titles traditionally held by the heir to the throne.
Kate became the Princess of Wales after the death of Queen Elizabeth II
PA
Meanwhile, Kate took on the courtesy titles of Duchess of Cornwall and Princess of Wales.
However, she could have followed Camilla’s example and chosen not to use the Wales title publicly.
Ultimately Kate did choose to take on Diana’s former title, becoming the first royal to use the title officially since her late mother-in-law’s death in 1997.
Jobson added: “Enough time had passed to make the title more palatable, and Catherine had been on the world stage long enough to be appreciated for her own qualities.”
Princess Diana died in 1997 following a car crash in ParisPA
Princess Kate and Prince William were bestowed the Wales titles from King Charles
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In a 2022 speech announcing the title change, Charles emphasised Kate’s new status alongside William.
He said: “Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty.
“With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.”