Duke of Edinburgh's 'golden rule' focused on avoiding celebrity status while representing monarchy
By Stephanie Nolasco Fox News, September 2, 2025
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/prince-philip-gave-kate-middleton-blunt-warning-surviving-royal-life
Hello! magazine recently revisited Gyles Brandreth's 2021 book, "Philip: The Final Portrait," which claimed the Duke of Edinburgh gave the future Princess of Wales his no-nonsense "golden rule" for making it as a senior member of the British royal family.
"If you think the attention is on you personally, you'll end up in trouble," Philip told her, as quoted by the outlet. "The focus is on your role, what you do, what you support. It's not focused on you as an individual. You're not a celebrity. You represent the royal family."
According to Brandreth, the late queen's husband told Kate that one crucial way to avoid feeling like a star was to "never look at the camera" when photographers were present. He stressed that Queen Elizabeth II never looked at the camera, but instead at the person she was speaking with.
Brandreth noted that Philip, who supported his wife for more than seven decades, served as a mentor to the younger royals. He worried they might be consumed by fame, casting aside duty and service.
Philip was reportedly "relieved" that his grandson Prince William, heir to the throne, had found a "level-headed girl" like Kate.
"I have been on walkabouts with [the Princess of Wales]," said Brandreth. "She does not look at the camera. Whenever she is interviewed, Catherine talks about the matter at hand, never about herself."
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that Philip's advice continues to shape Kate's role as a beloved senior royal.
"She was taught by the best," said Chard. "Prince Philip reminded her that she wasn't a celebrity. She represents the royal family. She needs to dedicate herself to a life of service, concentrate on the job at hand and never smile directly at the camera.
"The Princess of Wales's deep humility and discretion, along with Philip's advice in dealing with life in the spotlight, has given her the strength to breeze through challenging media firestorms."
British royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital it was easy for Kate to follow Philip's advice.
"One of the many reasons Princess Catherine has followed his advice was due to the national respect she always garnered," Fordwich explained. "She also values tradition, service, as well as stability."
"He implored her to always focus on the role, that of dedication and duty, not on herself," said Fordwich. "That's why she avoids seeking public attention for personal fame. He made it blatantly clear that royalty and celebrity are two completely different things.
Philip's advice has helped her preserve the monarchy's respected public image, rendering her as one of the most level-headed, grounded, popular, revered and trusted members of the royal family."
Royal experts previously said Kate was touched by her exchanges with Philip. Biographer Penny Junor told the U.K.'s Daily Mail that despite not having an aristocratic background, Kate mastered palace rules with ease.
"Kate shines in her own light, but she knows her place in the royal family," Junor told the outlet. "I think Kate is a bit like Prince Philip, who has always supported Queen Elizabeth II."
Kate and William are also said to be inspired by the longevity of Elizabeth and Philip's union, Vanity Fair reported. The couple were married for 73 years until Philip died in 2021 at age 99. Queen Elizabeth, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, died in 2022 at age 96.
William and Kate are believed to want to set an example not only for their three young children but for the nation.
"The late Queen Elizabeth made a huge success of her long life of service," said Chard. "Her beloved Philip was her constant strength and guide. Princess Catherine is happy to be part of the bigger picture, the glue of the royal family. She is still scrutinized by the public and photographers, yet she handles the spotlight with grace and sheer dedication to the royal family."
"The Princess of Wales holds star power by shining in her own light," Chard added.
