Kate Middleton submitted her resignation letter from royal duties to King Charles amid cancer battle
Kate Middleton, now known as the Princess of Wales, nearly chose not to assume this iconic title due to her concerns about being compared to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. This revelation highlights the weight of expectations and the emotional burden that Kate faced when King Charles III ascended to the throne, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
When Charles became King, he swiftly conferred the title of Prince of Wales upon his eldest son, Prince William, which in turn made Kate the Princess of Wales. However, according to royal biographer Robert Jobson in his book *Catherine: The Princess of Wales*, Kate was initially hesitant to take on the title. She was acutely aware that Diana, the last person to hold the title, had left an indelible mark on the world. Diana’s tragic death at the age of 36 in 1997 had left a profound impact, making her a symbol of both admiration and deep sorrow.
Jobson notes that Kate feared the inevitable comparisons to Diana, as her untimely death had caused an immense outpouring of grief and admiration. The constant scrutiny of both the similarities and differences between the two women was something Kate found particularly stressful. There was even a time when she considered following in the footsteps of Queen Camilla, who chose the title Duchess of Cornwall instead of Princess of Wales when she married Charles.
In their 2010 engagement interview with Tom Bradby, William and Kate addressed the pressure of living up to Diana’s legacy. William reassured Kate that there was no pressure to emulate his mother, stating, “No one’s going to try to fill my mother’s shoes. What she did was fantastic. It’s about making your own future, and Kate will do a very good job of that.”
Ultimately, Kate accepted the title, understanding its historical significance but also recognizing the importance of carving out her own path. Her journey as the Princess of Wales has been marked by grace and dedication, as she continues to shape her own legacy while respecting the profound impact of the woman who came before her.
