When Catherine, the Princess of Wales, married Prince William, she stepped into a completely different world—one filled with royal duties, traditions, and heightened public attention. Over the years, she has embraced her role with grace and confidence, adapting to the many challenges that come with being a senior member of the British royal family.
While many changes in her life have been visible to the public, one personal transformation has been less discussed but just as significant—her refined speaking style and growing confidence in public speaking.
A Shift in Public Presence
Princess Kate has always been admired for her elegance and poise. However, when she first entered the royal spotlight, she was still finding her voice—both literally and figuratively. Early interviews and public speeches showed a reserved demeanor, but over time, her confidence as a public speaker has grown significantly.
One of the most noticeable changes in Catherine’s public presence has been her refined speaking style. Those who have followed her journey from university student to future Queen Consort have observed subtle differences in her accent and tone over the years.
Catherine has reportedly had elocution lessons
Has Princess Kate Worked on Her Speaking Style?
While Catherine has never publicly spoken about formal elocution lessons, it is widely believed that she worked with professionals to refine her speech.
1. Speaking with Confidence
When Catherine and Prince William announced their engagement in 2010, she gave her first televised interview alongside him. At the time, she was still adjusting to her new role, and royal experts noted that she appeared nervous.
Tom Bradby, the ITV News interviewer who conducted the engagement interview, later revealed that Kate had been apprehensive before the cameras started rolling. According to royal expert Katie Nicholl, when the interview concluded, Catherine let out a sigh of relief and admitted, “I’m no good at this!”
Since then, however, her confidence has grown immensely. Today, she delivers speeches with ease, demonstrating her ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
2. Working with a Voice Coach
Reports suggest that Catherine worked with professional voice coach Anthony ‘Ant’ Gordon Lennox ahead of her wedding in 2011. He was known for coaching public figures, helping them refine their speech patterns and boost their confidence when addressing large audiences.
While these reports remain unconfirmed, Catherine’s gradual transformation in public speaking aligns with the kind of improvement that comes with professional coaching. Her tone has become more measured, her articulation clearer, and her overall delivery more polished.
Catherine has changed since meeting William
3. A More Refined Accent
Royal biographer Omid Scobie once noted that Catherine’s accent has become “even more plummy” than Prince William’s over the years.
Although she grew up in an affluent part of England and attended prestigious schools like Marlborough College and the University of St. Andrews, her accent was initially more relaxed. Over time, her pronunciation and tone have taken on a more refined quality, which some attribute to her role within the royal family.
The Evolution of Catherine’s Public Image
As Catherine became more comfortable with royal life, her public persona evolved. She transitioned from a private citizen to a poised and confident speaker representing charitable causes and public initiatives.
1. Overcoming Early Nerves
In the early years of her marriage, Catherine was known for being reserved during public engagements. Unlike other members of the royal family who had years of experience in public speaking, she had to learn on the job.
Despite the pressure, she remained dedicated to improving her communication skills. Over time, she embraced her responsibilities with greater confidence, particularly in her work with early childhood development and mental health advocacy.
Catherine during her graduation ceremony at St Andrews
2. Delivering Keynote Speeches with Authority
One of Catherine’s most notable speeches in recent years was her keynote address at the launch of the “Shaping Us” campaign. The initiative, which focuses on early childhood development, is one of her primary projects as the Princess of Wales.
Standing before an audience of experts and professionals, she spoke with clarity and conviction, demonstrating her deep understanding of the topic. Her speech was widely praised for its warmth and authenticity, showing just how much she has grown in her role.
3. Representing the Royal Family with Poise
Today, Catherine regularly represents the royal family at international events, state visits, and high-profile engagements. Whether delivering speeches at charity functions or engaging in diplomatic meetings, she has mastered the art of royal communication.
Her ability to connect with people through her words and presence has played a key role in shaping her public image. She is now regarded as one of the most respected members of the British royal family, admired for her dedication to her causes and her ability to communicate them effectively.
Catherine had a voice coach ahead of the wedding
How Catherine’s Speaking Style is Portrayed in Popular Culture
The evolution of Catherine’s voice has even been noted in pop culture. Actress Meg Bellamy, who played a young Catherine in The Crown, worked with a dialect coach to perfect her portrayal of the princess.
Bellamy revealed in an interview that she was trained to speak with a “proper posh and tight” accent, emphasizing the refined pronunciation Catherine is known for today. However, since she was playing Catherine during her university years, she had to adjust her accent to reflect a more natural tone—before it became more polished in later years.
This attention to detail highlights how closely Catherine’s speech has been observed and how her transformation has been documented not only in real life but also in dramatized portrayals.
Catherine felt nervous ahead of her ITV interview
The Impact of Catherine’s Growth as a Public Speaker
Catherine’s journey in public speaking is a testament to her adaptability and dedication to her role. From her first nervous interview in 2010 to confidently delivering keynote speeches, she has shown that growth and self-improvement are possible with time and effort.
Her ability to communicate effectively has had a lasting impact on her royal duties:
- Stronger Advocacy: Through her refined speaking skills, she has effectively championed causes such as early childhood development, mental health, and family well-being.
- Global Influence: As a senior royal, she now represents the monarchy on an international level, meeting world leaders and addressing important global issues.
- Public Connection: Her warm and engaging speaking style helps her connect with people of all backgrounds, making her a beloved figure both in the UK and beyond.
Meg Bellamy played Catherine in The Crown
Final Thoughts: A Natural Evolution in Royal Life
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has undergone a remarkable transformation since stepping into royal life. While much of her journey has been visible—through her fashion, charitable work, and family life—her personal growth as a speaker is one of the most notable yet often overlooked aspects of her evolution.
Whether through professional coaching, personal effort, or simply gaining experience over time, she has refined her voice and presence to align with her growing responsibilities.
Today, Catherine stands as a confident and poised leader within the royal family, embodying grace, professionalism, and dedication in all that she does. Her story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to develop their communication skills and step into leadership with confidence.
