Kate Middleton: The Rumors and Stories That Shaped Her Royal Image

Before she became the Princess of Wales and one of the most admired members of the royal family, Kate Middleton was a university student who won Prince William’s heart. Known for her polished style and discreet personality, she rarely finds herself in scandals. Yet over the years, media speculation and royal gossip have tried to challenge her “perfect” image. Here are some of the most talked-about stories that kept Kate in the headlines.

The Pippa Wedding Guest List Drama

When Pippa Middleton married James Matthews in 2017, headlines swirled about whether Meghan Markle would attend. Some reports suggested Kate preferred the focus remain on her sister’s big day, and Meghan ultimately skipped the ceremony. Royal insiders and tabloids speculated Kate may have influenced the decision, though it was never confirmed.

Tension with Meghan Markle?

Royal author Omid Scobie claimed in his book Endgame that Kate’s relationship with Meghan was strained from the start. He wrote that Kate once “jokingly shivered” at the mention of Meghan’s name and described moments of froideur between the two women. At Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, cameras even caught an icy glance that fueled endless commentary online.

The White (or Was It Yellow?) Wedding Outfit

At Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018, Kate wore what Kensington Palace described as a pale yellow Alexander McQueen coat. However, many on social media thought it looked white in photos, sparking debate over whether it broke the unspoken rule of not wearing white at someone else’s wedding. Some fans defended her choice, while others saw it as a subtle statement.

She shaded Queen Camilla

Reports also circulated that Kate wasn’t thrilled about the guest list distribution at King Charles III’s coronation. According to royal biographer Tom Bower, the Middleton family had fewer spots compared to Camilla’s relatives. Observers noted that during the ceremony, Kate bowed to the King but appeared to avoid acknowledging Camilla, a gesture that stirred plenty of speculation.

Did She Strategically Choose St. Andrews?

The love story of William and Kate is legendary, but even this has attracted gossip. Some sources claim Kate and her mother may have encouraged her to attend the University of St. Andrews—the same one William chose. She even adjusted her academic path, switching majors to art history, which matched his. While this narrative has never been proven, it remains one of the juiciest what-ifs about their romance.