The Princess of Wales shared a special bond with the late Queen and has opened up about one of her best traits shown behind closed doors.

Princess Kate shared a close bond with the late Queen (Image: Paul Grover – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Princess Kate has praised Queen Elizabeth many times over the years, however there is one “special” trait that she really admired about her husband’s grandmother.

Speaking in a 2016 documentary to mark Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday, the princess, now 42, gave an insight into what Prince William’s grandmother was like behind closed doors.

Speaking about the late Queen, Kate said: “I suppose what’s really struck me is her love for the simple things in life.

“You would expect a lot of grandeur and a lot of fuss and things, but actually, what really resonates with me is her love of simple things, the lack of fuss, and I think that’s a special quality I think to have.”

The revelation came after Kate had also mentioned what her first Christmas with the Royal Family at Sandringham was really like.

At the time, Kate experienced some nerves over what to get the late Queen, and in the end, made a quick decision based on what she would give to her own grandmother.

Rather than something expensive, the princess made her a jar of homemade chutney following her own grandmother’s recipe, according to The Mirror.

She said in the 2016 documentary: “I noticed the next day that it was on the table and I think such a simple gesture went such a long way for me, and I’ve noticed since that she’s done that on lots of occasions, and I think it just shows her thoughtfulness really and her care in looking after everybody.”

Although the late Queen died in 2022, it seems that Princess Kate still embodies some of Her Majesty’s traits, especially when appreciating life’s simple things.

The princess said the late Queen appreciated the simple things in life (Image: GEOFF PUGH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

After being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, The Princess of Wales had to take a break from royal duty, and confirmed in a video released at the end of the summer holidays that she had finished chemotherapy and would gradually return to the public stage.

In the video clip, which showed intimate family moments enjoyed over the summer, Kate spoke fondly about her new appreciation for life and “simple” things, a similar mindset she once said the late Queen had.

In a voiceover on the video, the princess said: “The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.

“With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.

“This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”