24 May 2023 , 06:00
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As one of the most senior women in the Royal Family, Kate can now use the prestigious title of Princess of Wales.
But those closest to her, including her husband Prince William and her relatives, simply call her either Catherine or Kate.
However, it seems that before she married in a fairytale wedding at Westminster Abbey, some in William's circle of friends gave her a cruel moniker which mocked her mum Carole.
According to royal expert and author Katie Nicholl, people would whisper "Doors to Manual" at the future princess - a reference to Carole's former career as a British Airways flight attendant.
William and Kate in Wales earlier this year (REX/Shutterstock)Speaking on the Vanity Fair Dynasty podcast, she revealed: "To her full credit, Kate never rose to it - the snootiness of the upper classes levelled at what they called the en-masse Middletons."
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Meanwhile, an aide previously told the Sunday Times Magazine that Kate didn't like the nickname, but rose above it and didn't let it bother her.
They said: "It was never water off a duck's back, but she has extraordinary strength of character and resilience. I've never once seen or heard of her losing her temper."
The couple in the early days of their romance in 2007 (PA)Now, after being married to William for 12 years and having three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - Kate is fully integrated into royal life.
And yesterday, she had a candid five-word reply when asked about life as a working royal.
It came as she visited the to Chelsea Flower Show, where she joined school children touring some of the attractions, including a walled kitchen garden designed by Mark Gregory.
Kate at the Chelsea Flower Show yesterday (PA)The mum-of-three also sat down to enjoy picnic time with the children, where she as quizzed by the youngsters about what being a princess was like, to which Kate replied: "You have to work hard".
She also offered the youngsters a glimpse of Louis' school life, saying he has been growing broad beans in the school garden before she then showed off her talent for drawing by sketching flowers and plants for the children in lieu of a signature.
Kate also met with ex-servicemen and women the Chelsea Pensioners, a feature of Gregory's garden and a covered dining area has been created for them, alongside a kitchen that will produce meals for the elderly group from produce grown nearby.
"What's on the menu?" Kate asked as the pensioners tucked into chargrilled peas with herbs.
Harry Puttick, who served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers for 30 years, replied gallantly: "The peas are forgettable, you are not."
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With the cook nearby, he joked afterwards: "I'd better say the peas were wonderful, but it was fantastic to meet the future Queen."