As Kate Middleton dedicates Christmas carol service to the Queen, what was her relationship like with the late monarch?

Kate Middleton has dedicated her Westminster Abbey carol service to the late Queen and has spoken movingly about her in an introduction filmed for Royal Carols: Together At Christmas.

The Princess of Wales also shared her introduction to the carol service on the Prince and Princess of Wales’s instagram. “This year’s service is dedicated to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to all those who are sadly no longer with us,” she said.

Kate went on to say that “while Christmas will feel very different this year, we can still remember the memories and traditions we shared. Take time to slow down and celebrate with family and friends all the wonderful things that make Christmas so special.”

The Princess of Wales clearly has very fond memories of her husband Prince William’s late grandmother and is said to have enjoyed a special bond with her. She first met the late Queen when she started dating Prince William when they were students at the University of St Andrews.

According to Vogue, “Kate also spent a lot of time under the mentorship of one person in particular: the Queen herself. Upon her death in early September, William specifically thanked his grandmother for the guidance she gave both himself and Kate.”

William movingly spoke about the late Queen in a statement the couple released after she passed away, and specifically mentioned his wife and the late monarch in it. “My wife has had twenty years of guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives.”

Since her death, Kate has paid tribute to the Queen through her choice of jewellery on several occasions.