Princess Kate once made a quietly personal request during a royal tour that left Prince William out of the loop. The Princess of Wales was visiting the Solomon Islands with William in 2012 when she caught the attention of royal photographer Arthur Edwards, who was on assignment capturing the couple's official engagements.
Edwards recalled the unexpected exchange that led to Catherine receiving a camera of her own. The photographer told Hello! that he had been asked to take a picture of the Princess at a reception when she later approached him and asked if they could speak privately.
Edwards explained that he showed her his camera and demonstrated how it worked before asking whether she would like one herself. "I went over and showed her the camera and showed her what it does and I said, 'Would you like one?' And she said, 'Yes.' So I rang the camera company and asked them to send her one," he recalled.
He managed to keep the arrangement a secret from Prince William. The couple later travelled to Bhutan for another royal engagement, where William spotted Kate using a camera that looked familiar.
"And I can't remember the timings, but afterwards we were in Bhutan on another job, and they came down this mountain and I'm taking the pictures with my little camera, and William goes, 'Catherine's got a camera just like that!'" Edwards recalled.
The photographer admitted he chose not to reveal that he had been behind Catherine getting the camera in the first place. This lighthearted anecdote highlights the Princess of Wales's long-standing interest in photography, a hobby she has frequently showcased by releasing her own portraits of her children to the public.
The interaction remains a fond memory for the veteran photographer, who has covered the royal family for decades and witnessed many such candid moments behind the scenes. Royal observers often note that such personal touches humanize the monarchy, allowing the public to see the interests and personalities of the royals beyond their official duties.
As the Princess continues to balance her royal responsibilities with her personal passions, stories like these provide a glimpse into the private life of the future Queen.