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.