Queen Elizabeth 'admires' Kate Middleton but has a different favourite member of the royal family, expert says
The Duchess of Cambridge has seen her life change immeasurably in the last decade, which has seen her marry Prince William and join the most high profile royal family in the world. According to former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, the Queen reportedly “admires” the way Kate has taken to royal life - even if may not be her favourite member of the Royal Family.
Bond appeared on Lorraine via video link, in which she was asked about Kate’s recent surprise appearance at Kingston Hospital’s Maternity Unit in London .
Kate was there to support midwives and shared an open letter celebrating the “humbling work” they do.
Bond said, “She’s doing very well isn’t she? She’s so dignified.”
Over the course of the interview, Bond was asked if she thought that Kate was the “Queen’s favourite.” Bond said instead, “Well I think the Queen is very, very fond of Sophie, the Countess of Wessex. She often takes her place beside the Queen.”
“But yes,” she continued, “I think she admires the way that Catherine - as [Kate is] known in royal circles - has adapted to the job of being a Queen-in-waiting.”
Earlier in the interview, Bond also suggested Kate had strong support from the public. She said, “She has a quiet dignity about her which I think the public is growing to love and she works behind the scenes.”
Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, is frequently photographed in close vicinity to the Queen - most recently at Christmas, where she sat beside the monarch in a car to the Christmas day service in Sandringham. She is the Queen’s daughter-in-law and is married to Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, who is the Queen’s youngest son.
Kate’s appearance at the Kingston Hospital Maternity Unit followed a similar format to her husband's secret internship with MI5, as she took part in two days of work experience under the radar at the ward. Bond said, “Can you imagine the Duchess of Cambridge popping round? It’s pretty amazing isn’t it - so I think she’s coming into her own.”
