Latest news with #KatieNicholl
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Royal Expert Says Prince William "Inherited" King Charles's "Fear of Commitment," So Kate Middleton "Agreed to Wait for Him"
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Kate Middleton and Prince William tied the knot on April 29, 2011, in a fairytale wedding at Westminster Abbey. However, the path to marriage wasn't totally smooth for the Prince and Princess of Wales, who weathered a high-profile split in 2007. And according to one royal expert, William inherited some serious trepidation about committing to marriage from his father, King Charles. In her book, The Making of a Royal Romance: William, Kate, and Harry—A Look Behind the Palace Walls, royal expert Katie Nicholl shared that the Prince and Princess of Wales took a trip to the island of Desroches in the Seychelles in August 2007, soon after getting back together. "With a population of just 50 and 3 miles long, the paradise island was the perfect escape," Nicholl wrote (via the Daily Mail). "[B]oth of them knew that at some point they had to discuss the future." Nicholl continued, "For a young man who has an inherent fear of tomorrow, this was not easy for William, but the tranquil backdrop of the island was as good place as any to discuss it." View Deal According to Nicholl, Prince William "assured Kate she was the one," as he wanted to make sure she realized just how serious he was about their renewed relationship. "William, who had inherited something of his father's fear of commitment, knew he would lose Kate if he could not give her some form of guarantee," Nicholl revealed. Although Prince William didn't propose to Princess Kate until 2010, the pair reportedly made a "pact" during their 2007 vacation. "They didn't agree to get married there and then; what they made was a pact," a close friend told the royal expert. "William told was not ready to get married," the source explained to Nicholl. "He promised her his commitment and said he would not let her down, and in turn she agreed to wait for him." After marrying in 2011, Kate and William welcomed 3 children together—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—and quickly proved they're a strong asset within the Royal Family.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Queen Elizabeth Told Friends Kate Middleton Was a "Problem" Early in Romance With Prince William
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. After marrying Prince William on April 29, 2011, Kate Middleton appeared to develop a strong relationship with her husband's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. However, several royal experts have suggested that the late Queen shared some concerns about Princess Kate with friends, and allegedly went so far as to say she had a "Kate problem." Royal expert Katie Nicholl discussed Queen Elizabeth II's viewpoint in the book William and Harry: Behind the Palace Walls. "If Kate was not with William at Balmoral then the couple were skiing or holidaying on Mustique," Nicholl explained (via the Daily Mail). "Kate was there so often the press dubbed her Queen of Mustique, a title that had previously belonged to Princess Margaret." As a result, the late monarch was allegedly concerned about the optics regarding Princess Kate, with Nicholl writing, "Such frivolous displays of wealth were unpalatable to [Queen Elizabeth]." View Deal Queen Elizabeth was apparently so concerned about Kate that she wanted Prince William to wait before proposing marriage. "The Queen believed an announcement should be postponed until Kate was settled in a career," Nicholl explained. According to the royal expert, an "insider" shared, "It is Her Majesty's opinion that if Kate is one day going to be William's consort, then she needs a proper job." The Mail on Sunday (via the Daily Mail) quoted a senior royal aide who allegedly told them, "The Queen has had conversations with a few trusted friends about how to tackle what is being called the Kate problem." Per the outlet, the aide suggested that the late monarch believed Princess Kate was "a nice enough girl," but Elizabeth had "no idea what Kate actually does." Essentially, it seems as though Queen Elizabeth wanted Princess Kate to be "in a stable job" by the time Prince William proposed to her, per the Daily Mail. Of course, the Princess of Wales did have two jobs prior to marrying Prince William. She worked for the Middleton family business, Party Pieces, before securing a part-time role with womenswear brand Jigsaw, where she worked as an accessories buyer.
Daily Mail
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The 'stinging' advice the late Queen gave Kate Middleton before her wedding to Prince William
As a fresh-faced member of the Royal Family, the Princess of Wales turned to Prince William 's grandmother for guidance on navigating the Firm. The Daily Mail's Richard Kay described the two as sharing a 'grandmotherly' bond - with Kate describing the Queen as 'a gentle guide'. And like any grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II was not afraid to point out areas in her granddaughter-in-law's life that needed attention - even before Kate and William were engaged. Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl wrote that the Queen was concerned about Kate's lack of a stable job and the number of holidays she was taking in her book, William and Harry. She wrote: 'If Kate was not with William at Balmoral then the couple were skiing or holidaying on Mustique. 'Kate was there so often the press dubbed her Queen of Mustique, a title that had previously belonged to Princess Margaret.' The royal author noted that while Kate and William were enjoying island life, people back home were struggling through the recession. Nicholl wrote: 'Such frivolous displays of wealth were unpalatable to the Queen. Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl wrote that the late Queen was concerned about one trait of Kate's in particular 'While the rest of the world speculated that an engagement was on the horizon for William and Kate, the Queen believed an announcement should be postponed until Kate was settled in a career.' One insider told Nicholl at the time that 'it is Her Majesty's opinion that if Kate is one day going to be William's consort, then she needs a proper job.' MailOnline reported at the time that sources close to the Queen said she was acutely aware that William's public image could suffer if his girlfriend were not recognised as a working professional in her own right. 'The Queen has had conversations with a few trusted friends about how to tackle what is being called the Kate problem,' a senior aide told The Mail on Sunday. 'On the few occasions the Queen has met Kate, she has thought she is a nice enough girl. But the Queen has admitted she has no idea what Kate actually does. 'Privately she is very concerned about what the repercussions could be if Kate is not in a stable job as and when William is ready to propose. 'Although they are not yet engaged, it seems more likely than not that Kate will be a Royal bride one day, and the Queen is of the opinion that Kate should be working. 'She believes in a modern Monarchy and feels very strongly that the Royals should be leading by example. MailOnline reported that sources close to the Queen said she was acutely aware that William's public image could suffer if his girlfriend were not recognised as a working professional in her own right 'That's one of the reasons the Queen is so fond of Sophie Wessex. 'She was a hard-working career girl before she married Edward and she still works hard carrying out lots of charity work, despite raising a young family.' In June 2008 Kate was working for her parents' mail-order company, Party Pieces. She quit her job as an accessories buyer for Jigsaw at the end of the previous year and announced that she wanted to pursue a career as a photographer. When she left St Andrews with a 2:1 in art history, Kate attempted to set up her own children's clothing line as a subsidiary to her parents' company. But she was forced to close it before it launched for financial reasons. At the time, she sought advice from William's best friend, internet entrepreneur Jamie Murray Wells, and said she did not want to ask her parents for money. She started working at Jigsaw, which is owned by her parents' close friends John and Belle Robinson, who let William and Kate take a holiday in Mustique. When she left St Andrews with a 2:1 in art history, Kate attempted to set up her own children's clothing line as a subsidiary to her parents' company. But she was forced to close it before it launched for financial reasons According to Nicholl, the Queen's words 'stung' Kate. The two royals are pictured in March 2019 But Kate quit the job after less than a year. According to Nicholl, the Queen's words 'stung' Kate. But this advice could have been the making of her. The Princess of Wales now consistently comes out top in opinion polls alongside her husband William. In a recent YouGov poll Kate Middleton was ranked the second most popular member of the Royal Family, just behind William. In 2011, 162million people across the globe watched William and Kate tie the knot at Westminster Abbey. She is now viewed as a hardworking member of the Royal Family who dedicates significant time to her royal duties, including attending public engagements, visiting charities and supporting her causes. Speaking in Channel 5's Kate & The Queen: A Special Relationship, the Daily Mail's editor-at-large Richard Kay explained how the pair ended up with a special bond. 'The Queen grew to trust Kate. I don't think she really trusted anyone on first impression, we're all performing the same show, the show is supporting the Queen. 'But with Kate and the Queen it grew deeper than that, there was a real grandmotherly affection between the two'. Ingrid Seward, royal expert and editor of Majesty magazine echoed his comments, adding: 'I think the Queen saw her strength and saw that she is a caring person who had this amazing affiliation to duty. 'But with Kate and the Queen it grew deeper than that, there was a real grandmotherly affection between the two. 'I think Kate would have really appreciated the kindness and attention the Queen had given to her, and she knows better than anyone how busy the Queen is. She put time aside to make Kate feel appreciated.' Kate is believed to have formed a stronger bond with the late monarch after welcoming her three children and made a great effort to involved Her late Majesty in the children's lives. India McTaggart, royal correspondent at the Telegraph, added: 'Catherine has said the Queen was very supportive of her as she was undertaking her first engagements without William. I think she influenced her by showing her by example.' While the Queen was initially skeptical about Kate's work ethic, she proved herself to be a hardworking and loyal member of the Royal Family. It has been reported that Kate is 'modelling' herself on the late Queen as she nears the throne. The young royal knew that there was no better example to follow than the late Queen's, viewing her as a mentor. 'Catherine has learned by observing,' the Queen's biographer Sally Bedell Smith told PEOPLE. 'She knows what resonates. She will have absorbed a lot from this Queen.' Kate Middleton's pre-royal CV Before joining the Royal Family when she wed Prince William in 2011, the future Queen worked in a series of surprisingly normal jobs. Ahead of going to university, teenage Kate took on some 'back breaking work', earning a pittance as a deckhand in Southampton. And after leaving education, she famously worked in fashion, taking on a role as an accessory buyer for high street brand Jigsaw. Her final foray into the world of work ahead of joining the royals was working for her family business, Party Pieces. 'Back-breaking work' as a deckhand in Southampton One of the first jobs the now-Princess of Wales is known to have worked at sounds like a surprisingly hands-on role for the royal. Ahead of going to university in Scotland (where she famously met her husband-to-be ), like many others her age, Kate took on low-paid work. Over a four-month period, she worked as a deckhand at the Ocean Village Marina in Southampton. One of the skippers Kate worked under at the time, Cal Tomlinson, spoke to author Katie Nicholl for her biography Kate: The Future Queen. He said: 'It was back-breaking work. Kate mucked in and was very professional. She fitted right in, although she did stand out for being so pretty. 'She spoke well, she was very attractive, and she an air about her. She was competent and confident but very unassuming. 'She was polite and respectful to whoever was in charge of her and neat as a pin. She was never wore any make-up; she was naturally beautiful.' A 'terrible' waitress during her university days These days, Kate has the means to be waited on if she likes, but this was not always the case. Like many other students, Kate took on some waitressing while she was at university. It was during the 2019 broadcast of Christmas TV special A Berry Royal Christmas, that the princess opened up about her hospitality experience to show host Mary Berry. During one segment, Mary prepared a non-alcoholic cocktail, which she then passed to Kate to take over to guests. This prompted Kate to quip: 'Reminds me of my university days when I did a bit of waitressing.' When Mary asked if she was good at the job, Kate responded very honestly. She laughed, and replied: 'No, I was terrible!' First foray into the world of fashion After leaving university, Kate landed a job with a major fashion chain. At the age of 24, she took on a role as an accessory buyer for high street brand Jigsaw around the end of 2006. Speaking to confirm the appointment, a Jigsaw spokesperson said at the time: 'We can confirm that Kate joined our staff two or three weeks ago as an accessory buyer for Jigsaw and Jigsaw Junior. We can't comment any further.' According to reports, the future Queen had already helped out the brand at a fashion shoot, where she ran errands, fetching cups of tea and snacks. When Kate was hired by Jigsaw, it was owned by fashion tycoons John and Belle Robinson - close family friends of the Middleton's. At the time, the appointment was described as a major coup for Jigsaw, having the woman who was expected to marry the future king among its staff. Although she left the brand in 2007, to go and work for her family business Party Pieces, the Princess of Wales still appears to be a fan, and has been spotted wearing items of its clothing in recent years. Working for the family business After leaving her role at Jigsaw, Kate went on to work for her parents' business, Party Pieces. The party decoration supplier is owned by Kate's mother Carole Middleton. It was founded in 1987 when Carole was looking for inspiration for her daughter Kate's fifth birthday party. She realised there was a gap in the market and set up the company that offers time-pressed parents an easy choice of imaginative parties for their children. While it may have started as a tiny operation working from the Middletons' kitchen table, it is now a much larger business employing some 40 people and working internationally. The brand's best-selling Party Pieces Collection features products such as plates, napkins, cups, hats, balloons, treat stands and decorations. All three of her children have worked for it at some point, with Kate joining in 2007, after leaving her job at Jigsaw. Her role, according to reports, included working as a website designer and photographer for the business. She left Party Pieces in January 2011, ahead of her April wedding to Prince William. A royal aide confirmed her departure from the company, saying she was planning to 'concentrate full-time on preparing to become a member of the Royal Family'.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The 'quietly devoted' royals who are setting an example for Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Much has been made about the implications of being a 'spare' in the Royal Family - and Prince Harry's explosive memoir made everyone aware of the concept. Harry, of course, isn't the only 'spare' - a family member who isn't poised to be a direct heir to the throne in the line of succession. From Princess Anne to now Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, there are plenty. And it doesn't have to be seen as a negative. Something two dedicated royals are setting an example for Charlotte and Louis to follow, according to a royal expert. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were two senior royal family members who stepped up and stepped in after the Royal Family's tough year in 2024, with Kate Middleton and King Charles both battling highly publicized illnesses. And although they have been working royals since 2002, the BBC's former royal correspondent, Jennie Bond, believes that the couple are finally getting the "recognition" they deserve, stepping up to the plate when they were needed more than ever before. The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth's Legacy and the Future of the Crown by Katie Nicholl | Was $18.99, Now $15.19 at Amazon Katie Nicholl provides an intriguing and insightful look at Queen Elizabeth's extraordinary reign and draws on stories from Palace courtiers and aides, as well as family members. She reflects upon where The Firm could be headed now and how the Royal Family must react in the ever-changing modern Deal According to Jennie, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie proving themselves and taking on more duties also helped set an example on how to flourish as a "spare", something that could influence their great-niece and nephew, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Speaking to OK!, Jennie stated that the Edinburghs "thoroughly deserve the recognition they are now getting... They have always been quietly devoted to their various causes, but their work has been overshadowed by other royals," she continued. "I suppose every cloud has a silver lining… and as the King calls on them to take a more prominent role, Edward and Sophie are showing they are very much up to the task." Jennie then reflected that the couple are "serving as excellent role models to their great nephew [ ] and niece" as they are "showing that you can be a 'spare' or even a 'spare to the spare' and make a real success of working as a valued member of the Royal Family". Not only will the Duke and Duchess be a good example, it's been rumored that Sophie enjoys a great bond with Charlotte, and they offered a rare glimpse into their dynamic during the 2025 VE Day celebrations. The Duchess no doubt stepped in to help with Princess Charlotte and her brothers after Kate completed her cancer treatment in 2024. Sophie being an asset to the family has other benefits, according to another royal expert. Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl has previously claimed in her book The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth's Legacy and the Future of the Crown, as per that the Princess of Wales is "said to admire" Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie's approach with their own children. She apparently appreciates how they're raising Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex "in the bosom of the Royal Family but prepared for life in the real world." Whether or not Princess Charlotte and Louis go on to become senior working royals or pursue separate careers, it seems Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie and their family are setting an example of "success" that could inspire them.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend had concerns about his 'roving eye' according to royal expert
Before settling down with wife Meghan Markle, Prince Harry was known as a bit of a party animal and his royal status meant he had many late nights out on the town in the company of an 'endless supply of gorgeous young women'. Katie Nicholl, former Royal Correspondent for the Mail, wrote about Harry's nights at the exclusive London venue Boujis in her book, The Making of a Royal Romance. The Prince was a regular at the glamorous private members' club where he had his own barmen to look after him in the exclusive VIP room. Nicholl wrote: 'Harry was out with one girl guaranteed to rile Chelsy Davy, who was at home in South Africa working on her finals.' Zimbabwean businesswoman Chelsy Davy had an on-off relationship with Prince Harry between 2004 until mid-2010. In his memoir, Spare the royal writes that he 'couldn't help' but think what his grandmother thought about Davy's free-spirited lifestyle at the time. He wrote: 'I loved Chels' ease, that she wasn't complicated.' In Spare, Harry continued: 'She didn't care what anyone thought. She wore miniskirts and high-heeled boots, danced however she wanted, drank tequila like me, and all of this made me really happy. 'I couldn't help what my grandmother thought about it. Or the people. And the last thing I wanted was for Chels to change to please them.' Nicholl continued: 'Natalie Pinkham, a pretty TV presenter, was Harry's date for the night. 'In December 2001 there were reports that Harry had sent her a thong for Christmas and that he "fancied her rotten" despite the six-year age gap.' Natalie told Nicholl that the two 'got on well' but that was 'as far as it went'. The royal author wrote: 'On this particular occasion they were in the mood to party, and the champagne corks continued to pop as they danced and chatted in the dimly lit VIP room.' When the club closed for the night Harry suggested the two continued partying at former equerry Mark Dyer's house. Nicholl wrote: 'At Dyer's, Harry can be himself and, safe in the knowledge that what goes on inside those four walls stays there.' Nicholl continued: 'The drink always flows freely, and good-looking girls are never in short supply. 'As the prince escorted her to his waiting Range Rover, Natalie, a little unsteady on her feet after eight hours of drinking, begged Harry for a kiss goodnight. '"Not here," he said before whisking her back down the steps. 'They emerged seconds later, blissfully unaware that their late-night encounter had been captured by a long lens. 'When the story hit the newspapers the next day, there was an awkward long-distance call to Chelsy in South Africa.' And this wasn't the only escapade that started at Boujis that saw Harry having to explain himself. In May 2006 Harry regularly enjoyed VIP treatment at Boujis on Friday nights. Nicholl wrote: 'Sadly for Chelsy, 2006 was a summer of rather tacky confessions.' Nicholl continued: 'The flurry of tabloid tales left Chelsy in tears and cast fresh doubts on their relationship. 'First came the reports of Catherine Davies, a 34-year-old mother who claimed she was seduced by Harry at a house party in Fulham. 'Then in July there was allegedly a page three girl whom he danced and a masseuse who claimed she kissed him. 'She had told her friends in South Africa that she was in the relationship for the long term but was worried about her boyfriend's roving eye.' The author added: 'Harry assured her that she was the one, and for the first time Charles gave his seal of approval, allowing Harry and Chelsy to share a room at Highgrove.' Before the relationship ended Charles had warned Harry and his brother William to stay away from Boujis as the media had by then dubbed them 'the booze brothers'. Chelsy reportedly called things off with Harry before he left for a six-month tour of Iraq in 2007, just a week after he was photographed falling out of a London club with his 'favorite drinking buddy' Natalie Pinkham. When the on-off relationship ended for a final time in 2010 after seven years, Harry said this was primarily due to the intense media scrutiny the couple received and the pressures of being in the public eye. Big smooch: Harry and Chelsy kiss while sitting in the Royal Box at the Cartier International Polo Match in July 2006 Chelsy reportedly struggled with the relentless attention and press intrusion she received for being Harry's girlfriend which ultimately leading her to decide that a royal life was not for her. Chelsy and Harry have stayed amicable and in 2011 they went to Prince William's wedding together. Harry got back in touch with Chelsy to invite her to his wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018 and he also invited his other old flame Cressida Bonas - but the invites were for the ceremony only. An emotional phone call followed, with the conversation reportedly acting as closure for the former couple. However, body language expert Judi James said Chelsy's feelings were evident during the wedding. She told MailOnline: 'When she arrived, everyone else was chatting and laughing, but she sat in the pews just looking to one side - gazing reflectively into space and biting her lips slightly. 'She was doing that at the end as well. It was almost the soap opera part of the ceremony.' In 2023 Harry told the High Court in his witness statement that 'whenever' he has been in a relationship, the woman 'is not just in a relationship with me but with the entire tabloid press' who try to 'ruin it '. Chelsy has since put her partying days behind her and has since launched two successful businesses; her jewellery brand Aya and the travel agency Aya Africa. She has two children, a boy and a girl, like Harry, and married her boyfriend of three years, Sam Cutmore-Scott, in a secret ceremony in 2022. Cutmore-Scott was in the year above Harry at Eton College and is managing director at The Harper Hotel in Holt, the family business. The couple are believed to split their time between a townhouse in Chiswick and the Norfolk coast. Chelsy seems to be enjoying her life outside of the public eye and didn't share the news of the birth of her son until three months later when he was introduced to their local parish council in Norfolk. In fact Chelsy kept the news so close to her chest that many of friends didn't even know she had fallen pregnant in lockdown.
