Giovanna Fletcher spent 90 minutes with Kate Middleton in 2020 and has shared how the Princess was nervous before the podcast – and Prince William’s two words that helped her relax
A well-known podcaster who spent 90 minutes with Kate Middleton has disclosed what took her by surprise about the future Queen – while remembering the moment Prince William stepped in to support his wife.
Giovanna Fletcher, who is also an accomplished actress and author, spent time with Kate when they explored the highs and lows of motherhood on her Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast in 2020.
Reflecting on her initial impressions, she told The Times: “What I think surprised me was how nervous we both were at the top of the chat. I think there’s no denying, when you talk to Catherine, you know what she means to the country, what influence she will have on life going forward – and can have with her early years campaigning.
“So I think I was nervous because of that. She was nervous because she knew that she was about to speak in a way that she’d never spoken before.”
Nevertheless, the future monarch then revealed his true nature, according to Giovanna, who said he detected Kate’s anxiety before approaching to offer two words of guidance.
She recalled: “Thankfully, Prince William came into the room and he said, ‘Just talk.’ It wasn’t live and he reasoned that they could always cut bits later on. His wife took his advice and the tea grew cold in front of them as a 45-minute chat became a 90-minute, no-holds-barred interview.”
Giovanna shared her impression of Kate, mother to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, describing her as someone who is “full of heart”. She also believes Kate will be a queen who genuinely listens and stays informed about current affairs.
She further suggested that Kate and William would assume their leadership roles with their “eyes completely open”, and their understanding would bring a “welcome change”.
William himself has previously discussed the prospect of change within the institution during a conversation with actor Eugene Levy on The Reluctant Traveller programme on Apple.
In this discussion, he stated: “I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good, and I embrace that, I enjoy that change.
“I don’t fear it, that’s the bit that excites me, the idea of being able to bring some change. Not overly radical, but changes that I think need to happen.”
He continued: “There are points when you look at tradition and go, is that still fit for purpose today? Is that still the right thing to do? Are we still doing and having the most impact we could be having?
“So I like to question things, is what I’m really getting at….I hope we don’t go back to some of the practices in the past that Harry and I grew up in. And I’ll do everything I can to make sure we don’t regress in that situation.”
