Prince Philip Gave Kate Middleton an Eerie Warning Before His Death: ‘You’ll End Up in Trouble… ‘
Kate Middleton obtained some sage recommendation from her grandfather-in-law, Prince Philip, earlier than his dying in 2021.
According to Gyles Brandreth’s 2021 book, Philip: The Final Portrait, the late Duke of Edinburgh gave the future Princess of Wales his “golden rule” for making it as a senior member of the British royal household “If you assume the interest is on you personally, you’ll stop up in trouble,” Philip informed Kate, in accordance to the book. “The center of attention is on your role, what you do, what you support. It’s now not targeted on you as an individual. You’re no longer a celebrity. You signify the royal family.”
Brandreth mentioned that Philip advised Kate that the way to keep away from feeling like a big name was once to “never seem to be at the camera” when photographers have been around. According to the book, Philip instructed Kate his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, in no way seemed at the digital camera however as a substitute at the character she used to be speakme to.
“I have been on walkabouts with [the Princess of Wales],” Brandwreth wrote. “She does now not appear at the camera. Whenever she is interviewed, Catherine talks about the be counted at hand, by no means about herself.”
Royal specialist Helena Chard additionally apparently tested Philip’s recommendation for Kate in an interview with Fox News. “She used to be taught by way of the best,” she said. “Prince Philip reminded her that she wasn’t a celebrity. She represents the royal family. She wants to devote herself to a lifestyles of service, listen on the job at hand and in no way smile at once at the camera.”
Royal specialist Hilary Fordwich additionally echoed the equal statement about Kate. “One of the many motives Princess Catherine has observed his recommendation was once due to the country wide recognize she constantly garnered,” she said. “She additionally values tradition, service, as nicely as stability.”
She continued, “[Philip] implored her to usually center of attention on the role, that of dedication and duty, now not on herself. That’s why she avoids searching for public interest for non-public fame. He made it blatantly clear that royalty and celeb are two totally exclusive things. Philip’s advice has helped her keep the monarchy’s revered public image, rendering her as one of the most level-headed, grounded, popular, revered and relied on individuals of the royal family.”
Royal biographer Penny Junor additionally in contrast Kate to Philip in an interview with the Daily Mail. “Kate shines in her personal light, however she is aware of her vicinity in the royal family,” she said. “I suppose Kate is a bit like Prince Philip, who has usually supported Queen Elizabeth II.”
The headline you’ve shared refers to a well-documented anecdote from royal biographer Gyles Brandreth’s 2021 book Philip: The Final Portrait, which has been revisited in recent media coverage. It’s not quite as ominous or “eerie” as the phrasing suggests—Prince Philip’s words were a straightforward, no-nonsense piece of advice drawn from his decades of experience navigating the intense scrutiny of royal life. He aimed to prepare Kate Middleton (now the Princess of Wales) for the challenges of her role, emphasizing humility and duty over personal fame.
The Full Context of the Warning.
According to Brandreth, who was a close friend of Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh was “relieved” when Prince William began seriously dating Kate, describing her as a “level-headed girl” in contrast to what he perceived as Princess Diana’s tendency to let public adoration “go to her head.” Philip reportedly pulled Kate aside early in her relationship with William (likely around the time of their 2011 wedding preparations) and shared his “golden rule” for surviving as a senior royal: If you think the attention is on you personally, you’ll end up in trouble. The focus is on your role, what you do, what you support. It’s not focused on you as an individual. You’re not a celebrity. You represent the royal family.”
He elaborated with a practical tip to stay grounded: “Never look at the camera” during public engagements. Instead, always direct your gaze to the person you’re speaking with, just as Queen Elizabeth II did throughout her reign. This, Philip explained, helps avoid the ego trap of feeling like a star and keeps the emphasis on service rather than self.
Brandreth observed this in action firsthand, noting that during walkabouts, Kate “does not look at the camera” and, in interviews, “talks about the matter at hand, never about herself.”
Why It Was Given and Its Lasting Impact.
Philip, who served as consort for over 70 years and was patron of more than 780 organizations, understood the monarchy’s pitfalls better than most. He saw how fame could overwhelm newcomers, as it arguably did with Diana, whom he mentored in other ways (like seating her next to him at formal dinners to ease her discomfort).
Kate and William have often cited Elizabeth and Philip as role models for their own 14-year marriage (and counting), drawing inspiration from the couple’s 73-year partnership. Philip passed away in April 2021 at age 99, just months before this story gained renewed attention in Brandreth’s book. There’s no evidence it was one of his “last words” or delivered on his deathbed rather, it was sage counsel from a grandfather figure who admired her from the start.
Media outlets like Fox News, Vanity Fair, and the Daily Mail have amplified this tale in recent weeks, sometimes sensationalizing it for clicks (e.g., calling it “blunt” or “stern”), but the core message is one of wisdom, not foreboding. If anything, it’s a testament to why Kate has thrived where others struggled.
Tags: Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince Louis, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Meghan, Lilibet
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