In a poignant reflection on her relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has shared her deep sense of loss following the monarch’s passing.

Though Kate was not present at Balmoral when the Queen died, she had spent meaningful time with her in the weeks leading up to that momentous day.

The royal family gathered at the Queen’s Scottish residence during the summer, creating cherished memories that will linger in their hearts.

Towards the end of August, Kate, along with her husband Prince William and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—visited the Queen.

This visit marked a special occasion, as it would be the last time the young royals interacted with their great-grandmother in person.

It’s likely that Kate captured many precious photographs of the children enjoying their time with Her Majesty, moments that now hold even greater significance.

The Duchess has previously shared intimate glimpses into their family life, revealing unseen photos of the Queen with her great-grandchildren after the death of Prince Philip in 2021.

These snapshots serve as a testament to the bond that existed between the Queen and her great-grandkids.

However, when the Queen required medical supervision, Kate remained behind to care for her children, who had just started at their new school, Lambrook.

In the wake of the Queen’s death, Kate expressed her heartbreak through an emotional statement, highlighting the profound impact the monarch had on her life.

Their relationship evolved over the years, with Kate transitioning from a young woman who captured Prince William’s heart to a seasoned royal figure in her own right.

The Queen played a pivotal role in this transformation, offering guidance and support as Kate navigated her royal duties.

As Kate celebrates her 40th birthday this year, it’s remarkable to think that half of her life has been spent in the public eye.

She began dating William as a university student and has since embraced the responsibilities that come with being a senior royal.

Observers note that the couple appears to model their relationship on that of the Queen and Prince Philip, who enjoyed a remarkable 73-year marriage until his passing in April 2021.

Reflecting on the Queen’s own journey, when she turned 40 in April 1966, she was already a mother of four, balancing her royal duties with family life.

At the same age, Kate is also a devoted mother, raising her three young children while fulfilling her commitments to the royal family.

In recognition of her service, Kate was appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in 2019, a testament to her dedication.

What stands out in Kate’s reflections are the small, meaningful gestures from the Queen that have resonated deeply with her.

Rather than grand displays of affection, it was the Queen’s appreciation for life’s simple pleasures that touched Kate the most.

She recalls her first Christmas at Sandringham, feeling anxious about what to gift the Queen.

In a moment of creativity, she decided to make chutney using her grandmother’s recipe—a personal touch that was well-received.

The next day, Kate noticed her homemade gift displayed prominently on the table, a gesture that spoke volumes about the Queen’s warmth and kindness.

This experience solidified Kate’s admiration for the Queen, highlighting the importance of thoughtfulness over extravagance in their relationship.

As the royal family continues to navigate this period of mourning, Kate’s reflections on her time with the Queen offer a glimpse into the personal connections that defined their bond.