Princess Kate received palace advice on managing media during early relationship

Royal editor Duncan Larcombe has shared details regarding the early years of the relationship between Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. During their time as students at the University of St Andrews, the couple faced increasing media scrutiny once their romance became public knowledge in 2005.

According to Larcombe, the palace provided guidance to help manage Kate Middleton’s public image during this period. She was reportedly advised that if journalists or photographers approached her, she should “simply smile and act as though she was pleased to see them.” This advice is noted as a reason for her consistently polite and civil demeanor toward the press during the early stages of her relationship with the future King.