LONDON — Kate Middleton had a quiet ally within the royal family in the years before her marriage to Prince William became official, according to royal biographer Gyles Brandreth, who says the late Prince Philip privately approved of William's choice of partner and offered Kate personal guidance that shaped how she has navigated public life ever since.

Brandreth, who developed a close relationship with Philip through his work with the National Playing Fields Association, detailed the exchange in his 2021 book "Philip: The Final Portrait." According to Brandreth, Philip had genuine concerns about the toll intense media scrutiny could take on newcomers to royal life, but was reportedly "relieved" that his grandson had chosen someone he considered a "level-headed girl."

Philip's advice to Kate centered on a specific distinction he believed was essential for surviving public life as a senior royal: separating personal identity from institutional role. Brandreth quoted Philip directly in the book.

"If you believe the attention is for you, for you personally, you're going to end up in trouble," Philip told Kate, according to Brandreth's account. "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."

Beyond that broader philosophical framing, Philip also reportedly gave Kate a specific, practical piece of guidance tied to how she conducted herself during public engagements: avoid looking directly at the camera. According to........

© International Business Times