Catherine, Princess of Wales, has long been admired for her calm poise and understated elegance — especially in public appearances. But behind her polished demeanor lies a simple rule that guides how she interacts with the press, a principle reportedly passed down from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

It’s not about style or posture. It’s about intention.

A lesson passed from Prince Philip to future queens

Prince Philip, who spent more than seven decades beside Queen Elizabeth as consort, understood the intense scrutiny that came with royal life. Having married into the monarchy himself, he was known to quietly offer advice to newer members of the family — especially those navigating the pressures of sudden public life.

One of the people he is said to have influenced is Catherine, who will one day become queen. According to royal biographer Gyles Brandreth, Prince Philip shared with her a simple but powerful rule: never look at the camera.

Prince Philip once explained it like this: