Despite being one of the most well-known women in the world, the Princess of Wales was once hilariously mistaken for a member of Prince William’s staff—and her witty response caught everyone by surprise.
This week, the Prince and Princess of Wales were kept busy with public duties, from hosting royal garden parties to naming naval ships. With photographers capturing nearly every step, their images frequently appear across newspapers, magazines, and social media—making the royal couple instantly recognizable to many.
Yet years ago, during a visit to Shire Hall Care Home in Cardiff, Kate found herself on the receiving end of a charming misunderstanding. When introduced to resident Joan Drew-Smith, the elderly woman pointed at Kate and asked Prince William, “Is that your assistant?”
Rather than being caught off guard, Kate took it in stride, laughing before replying to William, “Well, I am your assistant.” She added with a smile, “I have been for a long time!”
The latest images of Kate in action came on Thursday, when she attended the official naming ceremony of HMS Glasgow, a Type 26 anti-submarine warship. The Princess had been named the vessel’s sponsor back in June 2021—a symbolic role linked with supporting the ship and its crew. The cutting-edge frigate is designed to safeguard the UK’s aircraft carriers.
In 2022, Kate had met Royal Navy personnel from HMS Glasgow at Windsor Castle to learn about the ship’s development and the sailors’ experiences in service. At the naming event, held at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Scotstoun, Glasgow, Kate carried out the traditional ceremonial act of smashing a bottle of whisky against the ship’s hull.
Following the ceremony, she and Prince William toured the ship and spoke with BAE Systems team members, along with Royal Navy representatives, to discuss the vessel’s features and progress.
Earlier in the week, Kate also made a surprise return to the Buckingham Palace garden parties—the first time she has attended one in two years. On Tuesday afternoon, she joined Prince William at the traditional event, delighting guests with her unexpected appearance.
William, dressed in a morning suit and top hat, hosted the gathering on behalf of his father, King Charles. Kate, who is currently in remission following cancer treatment, had missed earlier events in the season as she focused on her health—a period William had previously described as a “brutal” year for their family.
Her attendance was not announced in advance, as is customary for garden parties. She wore a bright yellow dress by Emilia Wickstead, paired with a hat by Philip Treacy. During the event, the royal couple met guests connected to their various causes and patronages, including Homewards, Action for Children, Ty Hafan, and tenants from the Duchy of Cornwall.
Among those present was the family of Liz Hatton, a 17-year-old aspiring photographer from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, who passed away in November after battling a rare and aggressive cancer known as desmoplastic small round cell tumour.
Liz had been embraced by Kate at Windsor Castle just weeks before her death. She had been invited to photograph Prince William during an investiture—a moment that became especially meaningful to her and her family.