What Kate Middleton's Relationship Was Like With Prince Philip

Buckingham Palace announced that the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, died at the age of 99 on April 9, 2021. "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," a statement shared on the royal family's Twitter account read. "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle."

Prince William and Kate Middleton were among the first to respond to the news, repeating the same message on their Instagram account. Prince William was reportedly quite close with his grandfather. Per Town & Country, the pair became exceptionally close when Prince William was a teenager, as they bonded over the shared understanding of what it is like to lose a mother at a young age. According to royal biographer Tina Brown in her book The Diana Chronicles (via Town & Country), Prince William showed his deep trust in and respect for his grandfather when Prince Philip convinced him to walk in his mother, Princess Diana's, funeral procession with his brother Prince Harry, father Prince Charles, and maternal uncle Charles Spencer. He reportedly said, "If I walk, will you walk with me?" and Prince William agreed.

The eldest son of Diana clearly had a great deal of respect for his grandfather, and apparently his wife Kate Middleton did as well. Keep scrolling to learn about what Kate Middleton's relationship was like with Prince Philip.

Kate Middleton had a strong bond with Prince Philip just like her husband Prince William. According to body language expert Judi James (via Express), Kate's public interactions with Prince Philip showed "rich bonds" between the two "based on not just affection but also a shared sense of humour and fun."

James says one photo in particular, which shows Prince Philip and Kate standing side by side on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in 2017, exemplifies their sweet relationship flawlessly. "Both royals tend to be fans of protocol at public events, but Philip's animated chat could have put them firmly on the naughty step, as judging from the poses of the rest of the group they are having a chat and a giggle during a fly-past," she said in March 2021. James also noted that Kate has a "genuine" affection for the prince.

Furthermore, royal biographer Penny Junor told People in 2020 that Kate and Prince Philip were alike in their supportive roles to their royal-born spouses. "She's never trying to outshine [Prince William] in any way," she said. "I think that Kate is a bit like Prince Philip supporting the Queen. She doesn't outshine William but still has a lot to say herself." Apparently, this is why Prince Philip adored Kate, according to Express.

It is clear the pair had a sweet relationship, and Kate will mourn the loss of her grandfather-in-law with the rest of the world.