It is hard to make it into Queen Elizabeth II‘s inner circle. The woman, who has been reigning over the United Kingdom for the past 70 years, is very guarded.
She does not trust and talk to many. And she is meticulous about her image and, therefore, is only photographed by professionals during extraordinary events or memorable moments.
However, Her Majesty made an exception for Kate Middleton before joining the royal family.
When Kate Middleton started dating Prince William, Queen Elizabeth, intrigued by the beautiful and active college student, who captured her grandson’s heart, did a little investigating to find out what she liked and her passions in life.
While sweetly poking around, the Queen learned that Prince William’s future wife was passionate about photography.
When the Monarch invited Middleton to vacation in her Scottish retreat of Balmoral, she made a kind gesture that was seen as a privilege.
To let Middleton know that she was officially part of Her Majesty’s tight inner circle, she told her to bring a camera and photograph whatever she wanted.
According to royal author Katie Nicholl, Her Majesty authorized Middleton to take pictures of the splendid natural beauty surrounding Balmoral.
In her book, Kate: The Future Queen, she writes: “Until now, the Queen had met Kate only fleetingly at the wedding of Peter and Autumn Phillips, but she went out of her way to make her feel welcome, giving her permission to take pictures at Balmoral.”
She added why the invitation was so special: “As a woman who has lived her entire life in the public eye, the Queen rarely lets her guard down, and very few apart from her family and closest friends get to see the real Elizabeth.”
Her Majesty was not disappointed, and Kate Middleton took some beautiful photos while in Scotland.
In 2021, a stunning and emotional photo taken by Kate Middleton at Balmoral was released.
It featured the Queen and her late husband, Prince Philip, surrounded by almost all of the great-grandchildren.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has become the royal family’s official photographer. The Queen is currently at Balmoral, where she will stay until September.
Because of her health issues, Queen Elizabeth was forced to cancel the traditional ceremony that marks the beginning of her summer vacation in Scotland.
Every year she is welcomed by soldiers from a Scottish regiment of military pipers and a large group of people who gather near her lavish estate to wish her well.
This year, the Queen had a small and private event, and photographers and reporters were not allowed. While at Balmoral, Her Majesty will enjoy many outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, and more.
She has invited many family members to stay with her, including Prince William, Middleton, and their children.
It is claimed that Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their two children received an invitation from Her Majesty.
