Why Kate Middleton's Relationship With the Queen Is "Stronger Than Ever" - Yahoo Lifestyle

Prince William and Kate Middleton's upcoming wedding anniversary in April will mark 10 years since the duchess joined the Royal Family.

Last January, a Palace insider told Best Life, "The Duchess of Cambridge has become one of [the Royal Family's] greatest assets for her ability to be both an accessible and aspirational figure." That was certainly true in amid Megxit, and later during the countrywide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kate and William became the representatives for the Royal Family, doubling up on their duties as surrogates for the Queen and Prince Charles, who were both sheltering-in-place due to the virus.

"Her Majesty has always been fond of Catherine, but the Queen was very pleased to see how the duchess rose to the occasion so brilliantly during lockdown and took on some wonderful initiatives," she said.

After the duchess gave her a preview of the winning images, Her Majesty wrote: "The Duchess of Cambridge and I were inspired to see how the photographs have captured the resilience of the British people at such a challenging time, whether that is through celebrating frontline workers, recognising [sic] community spirit or showing the efforts of individuals supporting those in need." And for more on the Duchess of Cambridge's past year, check out The Secret Behind Kate Middleton's Best Looks of 2020.

When Kate first joined the family, she was largely seen and not heard at events, always ceding the limelight to William.

Despite rumors to the contrary, Kate never received "lessons" on being a royal or future queen.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward, who noted the the duchess and the Queen enjoyed a "warm" relationship, told Hello, "Kate has had to learn on the hoof, just as the Queen did, and while she might pick up some of the nuts and bolts, such as noticing how the Queen remembers things and when she reads her notes, Kate doesn't need any help at the meet-and-greet side of things because she's very good at that already." And for more regular royals updates, sign up for our daily newsletter.

In addition to their shared devotion to family and their royal duties, both the Duchess of Cambridge and the Queen are masters of small talk whenever the situation arises.

The Queen is said to enjoy a good joke at events, while Kate often shares charming anecdotes about Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

If you've been keeping up with the Cambridges, you know that Prince William and Kate Middleton recently embarked on their train tour.

"I don't want to knock members of the Royal Family, Prince William, Kate, and other members too, but Meghan has a different life experience than them...".