A reporter who once phoned Kate Middleton during one of the most difficult periods of her life has recalled being struck by her grace and composure despite the circumstances.
The Unexpected Phone Call
Speaking on The Telegraph's Royal T podcast about the aftermath of Catherine's 2007 split from Prince William, royal commentator Camilla Tominey revealed how she unexpectedly found herself speaking directly to the future Princess of Wales after news of the break-up emerged.
Camilla explained that she had been asked by her news desk to follow up reports about the couple's separation. Through mutual contacts, she managed to obtain Catherine's phone number and decided to call.
Recalling the conversation, she said she called the future Princess of Wales and said: “Hi, it's Camilla Tominey from the Sunday Express.” To her surprise, Catherine answered politely. Camilla remembered asking whether she wanted to comment on the reports surrounding her relationship with William.
Kate's Poised Response
According to Camilla, associate editor of The Telegraph, Catherine responded: “Listen, I haven't ever commented about this relationship before. So, I don't think I'm going to start now.” The journalist admitted she immediately respected the response.
“I said, ‘No, you're right.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, fair enough. Thank you. And can I just say, good luck in life.’ You know? Because I thought it was over,” Camilla explained.
The 2007 Split
The split had shocked royal watchers. William and Catherine met while studying at the University of St Andrews and had been together for several years before ending their relationship in 2007. Reports at the time suggested William initiated the break-up during a telephone conversation.
Looking back, Camilla said many people assumed the relationship was finished for good. She said: “We all thought it was over and I thought, ‘Oh god, what a class act.’ She could have just hung up. She could have been very rude. Also she's in the depths of despair. What am I thinking disturbing her at that time?”
She added: “She probably got Carol with an E in the background going, ‘Don't answer the phone to any journalist.’ But the point is she is very serene.”
Reconciliation and Marriage
Despite the separation, William and Catherine eventually found their way back to one another. The reconciliation came later in 2007, with reports suggesting the late Queen Elizabeth II was pleased to see the relationship revived after the temporary split.
The couple's reunion proved to be the turning point in one of the most closely watched royal romances of modern times. In 2010, they announced their engagement, and the following year married in a globally televised ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Since then, William and Catherine have become senior members of the Royal Family and are now the Prince and Princess of Wales. Together they are raising their three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
