According to multiple reports, the Royal Family are preparing to mark the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth. Kate Middleton shared a close bond with the late Queen, according to major media sources. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Daily Mirror that Kate learned from the Queen about dignity, duty, and engaging with the public.
Bond said the Queen's approach to Kate was initially cautious, but once confident the relationship was serious, she grew to like and admire her. Bond also noted that Kate was William's girlfriend for about seven years before being formally introduced to the Queen, and they had been at the same event two years earlier but had not formally met. The Queen played a major role in bringing William and Kate back together after their brief split in 2007, according to multiple reports.
Bond said the Queen summoned William to a private meeting after the split and urged him to follow his heart and marry Kate. The separation came four years into their relationship, after Kate delivered an ultimatum to commit or she would walk away, according to reports. The Queen also gave Kate advice on dealing with 'headstrong husbands' and her future royal role, though the specific advice remains unknown.