Queen Camilla reportedly “wasn’t keen” on Princess Kate when the pair first met, an expert has claimed. Prince William met Kate while the pair were studying at the University of St Andrews in 2001. They began dating in 2003, and even shared a house together with roommates while studying.
While Kate has now become a key part of The Firm, polling as the most popular member, there was some hesitation when William first introduced her to his family. According to Royal expert Tom Quinn, Camilla was particularly unsure about her potential daughter-in-law.
On Channel 5’s ‘The Middleton’s: Modern Royal-in-laws’, Quinn revealed: “I’d heard that Camilla wasn’t very keen on Catherine. She didn’t shoot, she’s not into horses particularly, there was too much of a gap and William would feel it. But I think it’s true to say that Camilla later warmed to Caterine and recognised her solid virtues.”
Unlike many Royal family members, including her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, Kate is reportedly not a fan of horse riding. Rumours suggest that the 43-year-old Duchess may be allergic to horses, reports Cambridgeshire Live.
During an episode of the Daily Mail’s Palace Confidential podcast in October, host Jo Elvin remarked: “I think you can’t be royal and not love horses.”
In response, the paper’s Editor at Large, Charlotte Griffiths, pointed out: “Catherine doesn’t. She doesn’t like riding, I think she’s allergic to them.
Kate and Camilla have reportedly developed a strong connection over the years since their first encounter. Royal commentator Angela Levin shared with GB News: “Camilla gets on very, very well with Catherine and helped her to understand the way you needed to be in the palace because it’s very difficult.”
William’s father, on the other hand, is believed to have been more open-armed towards Kate. Royal biographer Katie Nicholls revealed: “Charles really made a point of welcoming Kate into the family from an early stage. She was often invited for shooting weekends up at Berk Hall. It’s Charles who largely taught Kate to stalk.”
However, Nicholls notes that Prince Harry was not immediately taken with his brother’s partner, initially needing some convincing. According to her, Harry was concerned that Kate kept William “too much on the straight and narrow.
