“If you believe the attention is for you personally, you’re going to end up in trouble. 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.”

By following this advice, Catherine stays grounded in her role, even under the weight of global attention. Brandreth recalled joining her during a public walkabout and noting that she never looked at the camera — always at the people.

Respect for the role, not the fame

Prince Philip was reportedly cautious about how fame could affect individuals within the royal family. Though he had reservations about the attention that surrounded them, he was relieved by Catherine’s approach. According to Brandreth, he saw her as “level-headed” and genuinely focused on duty over image.

This mindset wasn’t reserved just for Catherine. Philip also tried to support Princess Diana as she adjusted to the expectations of royal life. Royal author Ingrid Seward wrote that Diana, early in her marriage, was often seated next to Philip at formal dinners — and he made a point to look after her. He knew the strain such occasions could place on someone new to the institution.

Meghan Markle has also previously shared that Prince Philip was warm and welcoming when she first joined the family.