Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 8, 2025 · Entertainment

Kate Middleton's Charming Quirk: The Habit Teased by Royals

Kate Middleton - pictured in 2023 - is known for her quiet confidence, strong work ethic and dedication to her family and public duties

The Duchess of Charm: Kate Middleton's Secret to Winning Over Hearts

In a world where protocol reigns supreme, one woman has mastered the art of breaking rules and winning over hearts. Meet Catherine, Princess of Wales, also known as the Duchess of Charm. With an impressive 72% approval rating among Brits, Kate has proven herself to be a natural-born people person.

But it's not all smooth sailing for this royal. In her early days as a working royal, Kate was known for one particular habit that landed her in hot water with the rest of the Royal Family - her tendency to overstay her welcome during walkabouts. According to insiders, Kate would often get so caught up in conversations with well-wishers that she'd forget about the time and the crowd waiting to meet her.

The Princess of Wales is pictured chatting to cheering crowds  in Leicester in March, 2012

In an interview marking Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday, Kate confessed that she was still learning the art of walkabouts. "I think there is a real art to walkabouts," she said with a chuckle. "Everyone teases me in the family that I spend far too long chatting." It seems Kate has been working on her people skills, but it's clear she still has a thing or two to learn.

So, what sets Kate apart from other royals? For one, her natural charm and empathy make her an excellent listener and conversationalist. She has a way of making everyone feel at ease, whether it's a young child or a seasoned diplomat. It's a quality that has earned her the admiration of fans around the world.

But what about the rules? As a member of the Royal Family, Kate is expected to follow protocol in public. That means no selfies, no long conversations with one person, and certainly no breaking into impromptu dance parties (although we wouldn't put it past her). Yet, time and again, Kate has been caught bending or breaking these rules - and getting away with it.

Kate - pictured with the late Queen in 2012 - said: 'I think there is a real art to walkabouts, everyone teases me in the family that I spend far too long chatting'

Take, for example, the time she jumped out of a royal convoy in south Wales to meet with fans. Amidst cheers and cries of "oh my god!", Kate greeted crowds with a warm smile and a firm handshake. It was a moment that captured the hearts of many, including three-year-old Lily-Rose Logan, who asked her mom if she could give Kate a toy banana as a gift.

As for Kate's own take on royal life, she's been refreshingly candid about the struggles she faces. "It's a struggle to know that you can be accepted and fit in and you are still learning every day," she told pupils at St Katherine's School in Bristol. It's a message of vulnerability and humility that has resonated with fans worldwide.

So what's the secret to Kate's success? Perhaps it's her ability to adapt to new environments, just as she did during her boarding school days. Or maybe it's her willingness to break protocol when the occasion calls for it. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: Catherine, Princess of Wales, has won over the hearts of the nation.

The princess is pictured speaking with the waiting crowd as she arrives at Leicester Cathedral in March 2012

As Kate continues on her royal journey, one can't help but wonder what other secrets she'll reveal along the way. Will she continue to push the boundaries of royal protocol? Or will she settle into a more traditional role? One thing's for sure: with Kate at the helm, the Royal Family has never looked brighter.

Sources:

  • The scholarlynote.com
  • Interviews with former pupils and staff at Marlborough College

Kate greets the crowd as she visits the Donald Dewar Leisure Centre to launch a new project for their foundation in April 2013 in Glasgow

The devoted Princess of Wales normally carries out over a hundred engagements per year whilst parenting her three children. She is pictured on a school visit in Oxford in 2012

Prince William and Kate are pictured on a visit to Fitzalan High School to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month in October 2023

Kate meets well wishers during a walkabout on The Mall ahead of King Charles III's Coronation in London in May 2023

The princess's natural ability to hold a conversation has come in particularly handy with children. She is pictured during a visit to St. John's Primary School in Glasgow in May 2022

Kate is pictured chatting with a child during a visit to Northern Ireland

The Princess of Wales is pictured at the Orchards Centre in Kent, to highlight the importance of supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities and their families

The Princess of Wales speaks to a group of children during a walkabout on the Long Walk near Windsor Castle in May 2023

Kate is a maternal figure and has a way of connecting with young children, like the late Princess Diana

Kate greeted members of the public after her visit to Corgi, a manufacturer in Wales

Royal convoys rarely stop after leaving an engagement - but the Princess of Wales was clearly determined to meet with those who had turned up to welcome her