The Princess of Wales proved she is as ‘excellent a communicator’ as the late Queen was – in a poignant video message revealing her cancer diagnosis – a royal expert has said.
Speaking to FEMAIL, Richard Fitzwilliams said that while Elizabeth II ‘grew up in a different era and probably wouldn’t have given a broadcast’, there are nods to the late monarch’s personal language and in particular her moving Coronavirus speech, which was seen of more than 23 million people.
He explained that Kate Middleton, 42, emulated her mother-in-law by using relatable references and making a message where she ‘spoke to millions’ feel deeply personal and from the heart.
The princess especially channeled Elizabeth – who was known as ‘one-take Windsor’ for her skill with recorded messages – when she spoke about her experiences as a parent.
Richard says he was reminded of two of the late Queen’s speeches in particular – her poignant tribute to Princess Diana as well as her message during the Covid pandemic where she promised ‘we shall meet again’.
The Princess of Wales proved she is as ‘excellent a communicator’ as the late Queen was – in a poignant video message revealing her cancer diagnosis – a royal expert has said
Recalling Elizabeth’s televised speech on September 5, 1997 – after Prince William and Prince Harry’s mother passed away – he told how she referred to herself as ‘your queen and as a grandmother’, which left the audience emotional.
“We’ve all tried in our different ways to cope,” she added.
‘It is not easy to express a sense of loss, as the initial shock is often followed by a mixture of other emotions: disbelief, incomprehension, anger – and concern for those left behind.’
“It resonated – the way she handled it,” Richard explained.
In her video, Kate also spoke from the point of view of a mother who, along with her husband, has “taken time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that she’s going to be ok’.
‘As I have told them; I feel good and get stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirit,’ she continued.
‘Having William by my side is also a great source of comfort and reassurance. As well as the love, support and kindness shown by so many of you. It means so much to both of us.’
Richard also drew comparisons to Queen Elizabeth’s ‘inspiring’ and ‘galvanizing’ coronavirus televised address to the nation in April 2020.
He explained that Kate Middleton, 42, (right) emulated her mother-in-law (back in 2020) by using relatable references and making a message in which she ‘spoke to millions’ feel deeply personal and from the heart
Richard says he was reminded of two of the late Queen’s speeches in particular – her poignant tribute to Princess Diana (pictured) and her message during the Covid pandemic where she promised ‘we will meet again’
Her Majesty’s highly personal speech evoked the stoicism of World War II Britain, with viewers admitting to having a lump in their throat and tears in their eyes as she repeated Dame Vera Lynn’s words: ‘We shall meet again’.
It was revealed that more than 23 million in the UK – three out of four people watching TV that night – tuned in to the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 at 20:00, which placed it just outside the top 10 most watched broadcasts of all time. in Britain at the time.
Boris Johnson’s lockdown announcement on March 24, which was watched by 27.1 million people, was still around five million viewers short.
Royal commentators said her “deeply moving” words will have inspired confidence and boosted the morale of an intervention creature hailed as the ‘finest moment’ of her reign.
Dickie Arbiter, who was the Queen’s press secretary from 1988 to 2000, told MailOnline at the time: ‘The Queen’s words will have encouraged and moved millions of people watching at home.
‘This was a deeply personal speech – this was her message, in her own words. She addressed the nation as head of state, but also as a mother whose eldest son Charles has battled the virus and as a wife who is self-isolating with her husband, Prince Philip.
In her video, Kate also spoke from the point of view of a mother who, along with her husband, has “taken time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that she’s going to be ok’ The young family pictured in 2022
Richard said the late monarch would also not have been so personally exposed to ‘nasty’ rumors and conspiracy theories. Kate and the late Queen pictured in 2012
“They are both well into their nineties and in the most vulnerable age group. Her speech was powerful because we are all going through the same thing.’
Richard explained that both Kate and Elizabeth captured very universal emotions in a similarly poignant thread – albeit discussing completely different subjects.
Speaking about the Princess of Wales’ video, he continued: ‘It was deeply moving, she spoke to millions who had an idea of her experience and invited others to go on this journey with her.’
The expert also pointed out that a key difference is that Kate was ‘speaking to something the Queen would never have to deal with’.
“This is the age of social media,” he continued. “But the Queen would have been senior enough not to have to engage in it.”
Richard said the late monarch would also not have been so personally exposed to ‘nasty’ rumors and conspiracy theories.
Furthermore, he stressed that Kate’s broadcast is “unique”, especially when you look at the relaxed, accessible setting – while the Queen has tended to favor royal backgrounds.
Furthermore, he stressed that Kate’s broadcast is “unique”, especially when you look at the relaxed, accessible setting – while the Queen has tended to favor royal backgrounds. Both pictured in 2012
“You could say there’s a reference there in the way they communicated,” the royal expert said. “But of course these are completely unique situations.”
In a deeply personal, unprecedented and emotional video message filmed in Windsor on Wednesday, Catherine revealed the news had come as a ‘huge shock’ and that she and William ‘have done everything we can to process and manage this privately for guilt. of our young family’.
It came just days after she was seen smiling with Prince William as they left their favorite farm shop close to their Windsor home, and she said her husband had been ‘a great source of comfort and reassurance’ during her cancer battle.
Catherine’s cancer was only discovered after she underwent major stomach surgery at the London Clinic in January.
Kensington Palace has said it will not share details about what type of cancer the princess has or what stage it is, and has asked people not to speculate.
The king – who is also currently undergoing cancer treatment himself – and the queen were both informed of the news. In a statement tonight, His Majesty said he is ‘so proud of Catherine for her courage to speak out as she did’ and remains in ‘closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law’.
The King and Queen said they ‘will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time’.