Queen Elizabeth Had ‘Grave Concerns’ About Kate Middleton Before Prince William Engagement

Queen Elizabeth II had some concerns about Kate Middleton before Prince William popped the big question.

It took eight years before Prince William proposed to Middleton. In Katie Nicholl's book “The Making of a Royal Romance,” the royal author shared Her Majesty’s concern about Middleton as Prince William’s future wife prior to their engagement.

“Privately she [the Queen] had grave concerns and believed that Kate needed to have a job and an identity in her own right before an engagement was announced,” the biographer wrote.

The Queen is the among the hardest working royals in the family. In fact, she still attends royal engagements at her age. For her, it is unacceptable for a future member of the family to join the Firm if he or she doesn’t have a full-time job.

“It is Her Majesty’s opinion that if Kate is one day going to be William’s consort, then she needs a proper job,” an insider told Nicholl.

Queen Elizabeth II and Middleton met several times before the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced their engagement. However, the monarch felt that she didn’t know Middleton enough.

Prior to their royal wedding, Queen Elizabeth II invited Middleton for a private meeting. In Amazon Prime’s "Kate Middleton: Working Class to Windsor" documentary, Ashley Pearson said the Duchess of Cambridge received a great deal of support from the monarch.

The Queen made sure that Middleton was equipped with the things she needed before joining the royal family. Queen Elizabeth II taught her the basics in acting in public, like how to get out of a carriage or bending down to get flowers without exposing one’s modesty. The monarch believed that it was essential for Middleton to learn those things as she was set to join the royal family.

The Queen also reportedly briefed Middleton on all the small details about the royal etiquette including the proper way of sitting, who to curtsy to and what fork to use.

Pearson added that the Queen is “very fond” of Middleton. The reigning monarch reportedly loves the duchess’ middle-class values and the fact that she’s close to her family. In addition, Queen Elizabeth II appreciates Middleton’s discreet behavior since she never tried to garner extra attention for herself.