While Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton share a cordial relationship together now, the Queen was reportedly not always the biggest fan of Prince William's wife.
While in recent months Camilla has sent warm wishes to Princess Kate amid her cancer journey, the pair have not always shared the closest of bonds. According to some reports, Camilla was initially against William's relationship with Kate after they first fell in love while attending St. Andrew’s University in Scotland. As a new insight into their relationship has been revealed, we're taking a look at their history together.
Queen Camilla's initial 'snobby' reaction to Kate Middleton
In a new interview with Us Weekly , royal expert Christopher Anderson gave a rare look into Camilla's first impression of Kate . Anderson claimed: "Camilla’s a believer in aristocracy [and] kind of a snob" and added that the Queen believed that she "wasn't of their class.”
Speaking on Camilla's relationship with William, Andrew claimed that he only “tolerates” his stepmother and that she “has always been a little afraid of William.” According to Prince Harry's memoir, Spare, William had his own aversions to his father marrying Camilla.
In his book, the Duke of Sussex wrote that William "begged" their father to not marry Camilla and accused her of leaking stories about them to the press. Harry also aired out his own concerns with his stepmother as he wrote: "I remember wondering if she would be cruel to me; if she would be like all the wicked stepmothers in the stories."
Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton discover shared interest
Despite claims that Camilla didn't initially like Kate, the pair did go on to find some middle ground as they discovered that they share an unexpected interest. In their many interviews Kate and Camilla have spoken about their love for art and literature, but they also share one very unique hobby that they have bonded over, which is cold water swimming.
In the documentary Camilla's Country Life, the Queen said: "I love swimming, and I love English sea. I don't mind the cold, I think we were so used to it when we were children that it just doesn't bother me after the initial, you know, horror of stepping in and gasping you feel so much better when you come out," she said. "It's a lovely feeling, you feel completely invigorated."
A year after the documentary was released, Kate also shared her love for cold water swimming during a guest appearance on the Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast. She said: "I love swimming wherever I can—cold swimming—the colder the better. I absolutely love it. Slightly to the point where William's like 'Catherine, you're crazy and its dark and its raining.' I'll go and seek out cold water."
Queen Camilla sends well wishes to Princess Kate amid cancer journey
In March 2024, Princess Kate revealed that she was diagnosed with cancer and needed to undergo chemotherapy treatment. But in her latest positive update, she revealed that she is now cancer-free and has completed her treatment.
In her latest statement, Kate shared the good news as well as moving words of encouragement for those fighting similar battles. She penned: "William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time," and added: "Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey — I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright."
After the update, a spokesperson for Camilla and King Charles told Harper’s Bazaar: “They do of course consider the details in today’s announcement to be wonderful news and will continue to offer all love, thoughts, and support to the princess on her continued path to full recovery.”
And as she navigated her difficult health journey, her struggles have reportedly brought her closer to her mother-in-law. A source told the Mirror : "It brought them closer," as William and Kate aimed to steer clear of any further "drama."
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