PHILIP’S SPECIAL BOND WITH KATE AND DIANA
Prince Philip understood the difficulties of marrying into the royal family, and as such, he formed a very close bond with both the late Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge.
When Prince William hinted in his statement that his grandfather had taken Kate – Wills’ future consort – under his wing, it was putting it mildly. According to the late duke’s biographer, Gyles Brandreth, he knew the unassuming commoner who had won his grandson’s heart was perfect for the role.
“He told me he was ‘relieved to find her such a level-headed girl,’” Brandreth recalls.
Philip and Kate could often be found giggling together at royal engagements. It’s believed Philip was impressed by the way Kate, who actually completed her Duke of
Edinburgh Award years before she met William, subscribed to the duke’s attitude that you can become a star because of the royal family, but you are under no circumstances a celebrity.
Likewise, Philip developed a special relationship with Prince Charles’ wife, Diana, guiding her in her royal duties and teaching her the art of small talk at engagements.
“Once she was married, she never sat next to her husband – she was always sat next to Philip at the endless black-tie dinners, and he took care of her,” biographer Ingrid Seward writes in Prince Philip Revealed.
In fact, they grew so close, Philip continued to stay in touch with Diana after her marriage crumbled, affectionately signing off his letters, “Pa”.