Prince Philip once weighed in on his grandson's relationship with Princess Kate with three telling words.
Kate has been part of the royal family for 15 years since tying the knot with Prince William in 2011. While she never got to meet William's mother, the late Princess Diana, for more than a decade the royal enjoyed a seemingly close bond with both of William's grandparents.
Kate was often seen interacting warmly with her grandfather-in-law, the late Prince Philip, who had a long-time parallel role as a royal consort. The pair shared lighthearted moments over the years, with Philip making Kate giggle in public on multiple occasions.
According to royal author Gyles Brandreth, Philip was apparently "relieved" his grandson had found a "level-headed girl".
Philip's advice
In his biography, Philip The Final Portrait, Gyles writes that Philip advised Kate to never look at the camera – a golden rule the late Queen Elizabeth followed.
"If you believe the attention is for you personally, you're going to end up in trouble. The attention is for your role, what you do, what you're supporting. It isn't for you as an individual. You are not a celebrity. You are representing the Royal Family. That's all," Philip apparently said, as per the author.
As for Kate, Gyles said: "I have been on (a) walkabout with the Duchess of Cambridge. She does not look at the camera. Whenever she is interviewed, Catherine talks about the matter in hand, never about herself."
Kate and Philip's sweet connection
One of Philip's biggest achievements is widely considered to be founding the Duke of Edinburgh Award in 1956. Over eight million people worldwide are said to have participated in the award since it was founded, including the Princess of Wales when she was a student at Marlborough College in the 90s.
In a press release shared by the Palace, Kate said receiving the award was "one of the most memorable experiences from growing up".
© Photo: PA"I started my Duke of Edinburgh's Award while I was at Marlborough College, completing my Bronze before getting my Gold Award while I was in the sixth form," the royal shared.
"The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is such a great way for young people to grow in confidence, learn new skills, work as part of a team and have great fun along the way. While getting my Gold Award was challenging at times, it is one of my most memorable experiences from growing up, and I could not recommend it more highly."
