Sad reason Kate Middleton nearly refused her royal title, expert reveals

According to a new book about the life of Kate Middleton, there's a very specific reason why she considered not taking the title of Princess of Wales - and it's sure to be divisive.

Kate, who is married to Prince William, wedded the future King in 2011.

The Prince and Princess of Wales share three children together; Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Their marriage is a largely private one, other than the odd snap Kate shares to social media to document special moments between the royal family.

A forthcoming book written by Robert Jobson, 'Catherine, The Princess of Wales: A Biography of the Future Queen', claims to shed some further light on the Princess.

A new book suggests Kate Middleton was unsure about taking the title 'Princess of Wales'. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Jobson writes that Kate contemplated 'refusing' the title of Princess of Wales due to it having been used by her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

Diana died in 1997 aged just 36 as a result of a car collision.

An excerpt in the Daily Mail states that Jobson writes in his book: "[Kate] knew she'd inevitably be compared with Diana, whose untimely death had provoked such a tsunami of anger and grief. And she was right."

He goes on to add that the matter was discussed at length in the royal household.

Prince William proposed to Kate with his late mother, Princess Diana's, engagement ring. (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

He adds: "Kate found all such talk stressful. Indeed, it got to the point where she felt she might follow Camilla (who opted to become Duchess of Cornwall) in refusing - when the time came - to be known as HRH Princess of Wales."

Kate became the Princess of Wales on 9 September 2022, when King Charles III named his son William as the Prince of Wales, following his acsension to the throne the day prior.

Charles' official coronation as King took place on 6th May 2023.

Prince William and Kate Middleton are now the Prince and Princess of Wales. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Jobson wrote: "[Kate] accepted her promotion with good grace, out of respect for her husband and the King. Enough time had passed to make the title more palatable, and Catherine had been on the world stage long enough to be appreciated for her own qualities."

Past sentiment suggests that William is more than supportive of the titles.

He proposed to Kate with his mother's 18-carat sapphire engagement ring in 2010, later adding that Kate should feel no pressure to be the 'next Princess Diana'.

He said during their engagement interview with ITV: "No one is trying to fill my mother's shoes. It's about carving your own future and your own destiny, and Kate will do a very good job at that."