Shortly after Kate Middleton undertook her first rounds of royal engagements in February 2011 (via Town & Country), Prince Edward spoke of his family’s fondness of the Duchess of Cambridge and how proud they were of her. “She has taken to royal life like a duck to water. She’s very gracious and the family is very proud of her,” Edward said (via The Express).
“It was never going to be easy for Catherine as the whole world is watching her every move. She’s dealt with it very well, though,” he continued. “I think Catherine can only grow in confidence now her first official engagements are out of the way.” He also revealed that Queen Elizabeth and the late Prince Philip were “very protective” of Middleton, citing that Prince William grew up in the public eye while she hadn’t.
But, as Edward noted, Middleton has dealt “with it very well and the family supports her as much as we can.” He added, “I think William and Harry, as well as my brother, have tried their best to make her transition into public life as gentle as possible.” Edward also described Middleton as “absolutely lovely, very charming indeed, and a perfect companion for William.”
