Kate Middleton and Prince William Are ‘Not Interested at All’ in ‘Fame and Celebrity,’ Former Aide Says

Kate Middleton and Prince William Are ‘Not Interested at All’ in Fame and Celebrity, Former Aide Says

Former palace aide Jason Knauf, who served as communications secretary to Prince William and Princess Kate and later as chief executive of their Royal Foundation, recently spoke with 60 Minutes Australia. His remarks offer rare insight into how the royal couple perceives their public roles—particularly their relationship with fame and the media

“Not interested in fame or celebrity”

Knauf explained that neither William nor Kate would choose to be public figures, and that they are “not really interested at all” in the fame and celebrity that inevitably accompany their status as royals.

“What you see is what you really get behind the scenes as well”—a statement that underscores their genuine, grounded approach to life in the spotlight of

He further emphasized that they aim to perform their duties for the right reasons, rather than seeking attention or image contol

A focus on family and normality

The former aide painted a picture of a couple deeply committed to their three children—Prince George (11), Princess Charlotte (9), and Prince Louis (6)—and striving to cultivate a sense of normalcy in their upbringing. Unlike previous generations of royals, William and Kate have taken a hands-on parenting approach, shifting household dynamics to prioritize family life even amidst palace responsibilities

They reportedly slow down their schedule during school terms, opting for private family holidays—one of which took place in Mustique during a school half‑term break

Knauf also acknowledged the modern media landscape’s influence, noting that image manipulation is nearly impossible today. He said, “You just can’t control the image … All you can do is help people be themselves,” and that William and Kate’s public personas are reflections of their private selves

Their aversion to fame partly stems from painful historical precedent: the 1997 paparazzi chase that led to Diana’s death significantly shaped their attitudes toward privacy . Aides say they are vigilant about shielding off‑duty moments from public scrutiny

This commitment to privacy deepened in 2024, when Kate underwent abdominal surgery and was later diagnosed with cancer. During her recuperation, William was reportedly frustrated by leaked rumors and social media speculation—emotions he managed to compartmentalize while strengthening the couple’s insistence on controlling their narrative

Why this matters

In an age where many public figures actively chase attention, the Waleses’ stance is notable:

It challenges traditional celebrity norms, especially for royals.

It fosters public trust through perceived authenticity—“what you see is what you get.”

It reaffirms a commitment to duty and service first, rather than self-promotion or glamor.

In summary

Jason Knauf’s remarks paint a picture of Prince William and Princess Kate as individuals who accepted their roles out of a sense of responsibility, not a desire for status. They appear untainted by ambition for celebrity, focused squarely on their family and the causes they champion. As public audiences consume more celebrity culture, the Waleses stand out for their quiet resilience and steadfast loyalty to their principle.

Sources