A resurfaced documentary is drawing renewed scrutiny for labeling Kate Middleton as “working class,” a claim that critics say misrepresents her upbringing.
The program, which traces her path from a middle-class family to royal life, has reignited debate over how Prince William is portrayed, particularly when it comes to class distinctions in Britain.
The renewed attention comes as new details about her relationship with the Prince of Wales have also surfaced, including claims she was left in “total shock” by his proposal after nearly a decade of dating.
William, meanwhile, has been reflecting on their early years together as they mark their 15th wedding anniversary on April 29.
“Kate Middleton: Working Class to Windsor” is the 2017 documentary getting torn apart for labeling Kate as “working class.” On social media, critics argue the claim collapses under even basic scrutiny.
Many pointed to her upbringing as proof that the label misses the mark entirely. “She went to a public school and had a privileged childhood. Your mother being brought up working class does not mean you are,” one Reddit user wrote.
Others went further, mocking the idea outright. “Pure satire. A woman who has never worked any form of gainful employment in her life is now (checks notes) working class,” another commenter said.
The Slow-Burn Love Story Of Prince William And Kate Middleton
Kate’s path to royal life was anything but instant, unfolding over years before she officially joined the monarchy through her 2011 marriage to William. The pair first met while studying art history at the University of St Andrews, where their relationship began as a friendship before gradually turning romantic.
The Prince of Wales later reflected on their early connection, admitting he sensed something different from the start. “When I first met Kate, I knew there was something very special about her,” he said, per ABC News. “I knew there was possibly something that I wanted to explore there.”
Despite that early impression, winning her over wasn’t immediate. William reportedly spent months trying to impress Kate before eventually succeeding.
The Split That Made Kate Middleton ‘Stronger’
William and Kate’s relationship wasn’t without its bumps, as the couple briefly split in 2007. The break reportedly came while he was training with the Household Cavalry in Windsor, leaving him with less time to see the former accessories buyer.
Looking back, Kate admitted the period wasn’t easy, but ultimately shaped her. “At the time I wasn’t very happy about it, but actually it made me a stronger person,” she later said, per Vogue.
The split didn’t last long. The pair eventually reunited and continued building their relationship, leading to William’s proposal in October 2010 using his late mother Princess Diana’s iconic ring.
Kate Was ‘In Shock’ When William Proposed
Kate was reportedly left stunned when William finally proposed, after years of uncertainty in their relationship. The couple married in April 2011, but according to royal biographer Katie Nicholl, she had begun to lose hope that the moment would ever come.
In her 2013 book “Kate: The Future Queen,” Nicholl claimed Kate was rendered “speechless” and in “total shock” when William popped the question. According to In Style, she had spent nearly a decade waiting.
“[Kate] had dared to hope that she might return from Africa with a ring on her finger,” Nicholl wrote, adding that by the final day of the trip, her “heart was heavy” as there was still “no sign of a proposal.”
William Looks Back On ‘Fun’ Early Years With Kate
William is looking back fondly on the early years of his relationship with Kate as they approach a major milestone. The couple marked their 15th wedding anniversary on April 29, a moment that has left the future King reflecting on their beginnings.
During a recent visit to a Royal Air Force training site in North Wales, William spoke warmly about his time stationed in Anglesey, where the couple set up their first marital home while he worked as a search and rescue pilot at the Holyhead base.
“I loved my time up here. It was great fun,” he told trainees, per Hello! Magazine. “Your time up here will go quickly… you’ll look back with fond memories.”