Her grandson, Prince Harry, calls her a tough act to follow but in a new documentary about England's monarch, Queen Elizabeth also is described as “very generous” by Duchess Kate, who speaks of the monarch's guidance to the next generation of royals.
"Our Queen at 90,” the documentary that aired Sunday night in the United Kingdom, provides rare interviews with family members. Among them, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, who says her husband's grandmother has been very gracious in helping with her transition into her royal role.
“She has been very generous,” said Kate, the wife of Prince William. “I feel she's been there as a gentle guidance really for me. Everyone teases me in the family that I spend far too long chatting so I think I have still got to learn a little bit more and pick up a few more tips.”
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Duchess Kate also described what a doting great grandmother the queen has been to 2-year-old Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who turns one in May. Kate said Queen Elizabeth is just “Gan-Gan” to the kids, who get small gifts whenever they stay overnight with her for a visit.
The documentary also features Prince Harry paying tribute to his grandmother, admitting he struggles with the "huge expectation" he has felt growing up in the long-reigning monarch's shadow.
"Trying to follow in her footsteps is a huge, huge deal. How does one do that? Where do you even start?" he said.
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The documentary was released as a tribute ahead of Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday on April 21. It will also feature President Obama, who praises the queen for being an “inspiration to people around the world.” He is scheduled to meet with the monarch for lunch at Windsor Castle later this month.
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