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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Jennifer Newton

Candid royal confessions - Kate's insecurity, Sophie's struggle and William's dread

With their palatial homes, staff on call, designer wardrobes and invitations to the hottest events in the world, there's no doubt the Royal Family lives a life of extreme privilege.

But that's not to say that behind the shiny veneer, its members don't struggle on a personal level from time-to-time.

As Prince Harry has been keen to share, life as a working royal can be tough. And sometimes, his relatives get surprisingly candid about their own difficulties.

Just this week, the Princess of Wales was peppered with questions from school children about royal life and admitted it's "hard work".

So here, we take a look at some of the most candid royal admissions from the likes of Kate, the Duchess of Edinburgh and even the late Queen....

Kate's royal struggle

The Princess of Wales always looks like the picture of poise and professionalism on royal engagements.

But she bravely admitted that there is one party of royal life she's "still working out" and confessed it was not her "natural thing".

Kate on a visit to the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust (Kin Cheung/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Kate made the rare admission when she joined a Dame Kelly Holmes Trust event in Bath and took on the double Olympic champion at a game of bean-bag noughts and crosses.

Afterwards, double Olympic champion Dame Kelly said when schoolgirls quizzed Kate about being a "royal", the Princess said it was something "she had to learn".

The double Olympic champion said public speaking was not a "natural thing" to many people and, commenting on Kate, added, "she said she's still working that out".

William's destiny dread

As heir to the throne, it's no wonder Prince William is often inundated with questions about his thoughts on becoming King.

Since being old enough to understand, William has known that one day he will be head of state following in the footsteps of his grandmother Elizabeth II and father King Charles.

In an interview with the BBC'S Nicholas Witchell in 2012, William opened up about his thoughts on one day being King but admitted that it won't be an entirely positive milestone.

Prince William touches the crown during King Charles' Coronation (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The Prince told Witchell: "I certainly don't lie awake at night waiting or hoping for it because it sadly means my family has moved on and I don't want that."

Although he did admit he plans to be a "modern King", but his future as the monarch is "not at the top of [his] priority list".

Sophie's menopause difficulties

She's the one member of the Firm known for her truly honest approach to royal life - and the Duchess of Edinburgh gained praised when she candidly spoke about her experiences with menopause.

She said women should celebrate the menopause – but admitted it caused her mind to go blank in an awkward moment while representing the Royal Family.

Sophie, the new Duchess of Edinburgh (UK Press via Getty Images)

She said: "You know, in the middle of a presentation when you suddenly can't remember what you were talking about... try being on an engagement when that happens – your words just go.

"And you're standing there and going, 'hang on, I thought I was a reasonably intelligent person, what has just happened to me?'

"It's like somebody's just gone and taken your brain out for however long before they pop it back in again and you try and pick up the pieces and carry on."

Camilla's candid approach

One royal who's had her fair share of scrutiny over the years is Queen Camilla.

She faced in an intense public backlash when her relationship with then Prince Charles was revealed amid his separation from Princess Diana.

Since then she appears to have won over most of the public and was crowned alongside her husband King Charles earlier this month.

Queen Camilla together with husband King Charles (PA)

But in an interview with Vogue last year to mark her 75th birthday she admitted: "I was scrutinised for such a long time that you just have to find a way to live with it. Nobody likes to be looked at all the time and, you know, criticised."

She added: "I think in the end, I sort of rise above it and get on with it. You've got to get on with life."

Queen's heavy responsibility

One of the perks of being monarch is being able to wear countless tiaras and crowns.

And of the most sparkling of all the royal jewels is the Imperial State Crown, worn by both King Charles and his late mother the Queen.

But despite it looking impressive, Elizabeth II once revealed just how dangerous it can be - and why wearing it is not a very pleasant experience.

The late Queen wearing the Imperial State Crown at the State Opening of Parliament in 2014 (Getty Images)

She made the comments in a 2018 BBC documentary in which she discussed the 65th anniversary of her coronation.

When asked how still she has to keep her head when wearing it during the State Opening of Parliament, she explained: "You can't look down to read the speech, you have to take the speech up.

"Because if you did, your neck would break - it would fall off.

"So there are some disadvantages to crowns, but otherwise they're quite important things."

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