Speaking in 2016, Kate herself explained that the Queen was never ‘forceful in her views’ and was instead very reassuring.

“The most memorable engagement for me I suppose was an away day to Leicester and I went without William so I was rather apprehensive about that,” she confessed. “I think there is a real art to walkabouts, everyone teases me in the family that I spend far too long chatting so I think I’ve still got to learn a little bit more and pick up a few more tips I suppose.

“She was very supportive. The fact she took the time to make sure that I was happy and looked after for that particular occasion, which probably in everything that she’s doing is a very small element, which just shows how caring she is, really.”

On another occasion, the Princess remarked: “You would expect a lot of grandeur and a lot of fuss, but actually what really resonates with me is her love for the simple things,” she said. “And I think that’s a special quality to have. I can remember being at Sandringham for the first time at Christmas, and I was worried what to give the Queen as her Christmas present.

“I was thinking: ‘Gosh, what should I give her?’ I thought: ‘I’ll make her something’, which could have gone horribly wrong, but I decided to make my granny’s recipe for chutney. I noticed the next day that it was on the table. Such a simple gesture went such a long way for me.”

Following his grandmother’s death, Prince William touched upon her loving and supportive nature. While the world had “lost an extraordinary leader”, he had “lost a grandmother”, he said in a statement.

“I have had the benefit of the Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives.”

William continued: “She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real.”