‘Never complain, never explain': How Kate Middleton embodies Queen Elizabeth’s unofficial public life motto
Kate Middleton has made Queen Elizabeth her role model. The 40-year-old Duchess of Cambridge has ‘observed’ the monarch as she gets ready to assume her role as the future Queen, according to the royal experts. Per Queen's biographer Sally Bedell Smith: "Catherine has learned by observing. She knows what resonates. She will have absorbed a lot from this Queen." The Queen did not coach Middleton in any way, according to royal sources who spoke to PEOPLE magazine. Instead, the monarch treated Middleton like she would a prime minister. Bedell also mentioned how Middleton embodies Queen Elizabeth's ‘unofficial motto,’ which is ‘never complain, never explain.’
Although they are 56 years apart in age, the Queen and Kate possess similar qualities for the job: quiet stoicism, unwavering confidentiality, and steadfast commitment. Their allegiance to the throne is unshakeable, and their public personas are carefully managed. Therefore, their opinions on divisive political topics are seldom heard, according to the royal insider. According to Sarah Gristwood: "The Queen has always preferred to do rather than to say. With her audiences with her prime ministers, if there has been actual advice, it would be a discreet 'I think that went rather well' rather than actual instruction." Gristwood, the author of 'Elizabeth: Queen and Crown,' has also lauded Middleton's adjustment to the royal family's power structure.
RELATED ARTICLES
Prince William's adorable moment comforting daughter Charlotte, 7, at Commonwealth Games wins hearts
CLASS IS PERMANENT! Kate Middleton repeats white Alexander McQueen outfit at Commonwealth Games
Gristwood told PEOPLE magazine: "It's a personal willingness to conform to the requirements of the institution. That sounds like an unappealing, unglamorous virtue, but it's an important one if you're going to be a successful cog in the royal wheel." Middleton has a history of emulating the Queen's fashion choices and has even taken some of the monarch's jewelry. According to an insider, Queen Elizabeth has a certain style, almost like a uniform, which also works for Kate.
How Kate Middleton Is Modeling Herself on Queen Elizabeth: 'Never Complain, Never Explain' https://t.co/bo3BrLchhy pic.twitter.com/dmbHXRfTsK
— People (@people) August 3, 2022
While the Queen begins her summer vacation at Balmoral Castle in Scotland this week, Middleton and her husband, Prince William, are ‘representing the Queen impeccably,’ according to Bedell Smith. "They're showing a kind of dedication she would be proud of. And that probably gives her hope," Bedell Smith added. Earlier, Kate was joined by Prince William and Princess Charlotte on their royal visit to the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were pictured watching the celebrations from the stands of Sandwell Aquatics Centre with their daughter.
Later, the royals went to a SportsAid house where they supported young athletes by serving as the patron of SportsAid for almost ten years. Meanwhile, having served the people of the United Kingdom, Realms, and Commonwealth for 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year, making history as the first British monarch to do so.