Kate ignored at Charles’ 60th birthday as ‘nobody recognised her’

Today, Kate, Princess of Wales, is one of the most famous women in the world. There is even a phrase – ‘the Kate effect’ – for how her style influences what people wear with fashion designers’ sales drastically increasing after she dons one of their garments. In 2013, she was listed as one of TIME magazine’s most influential people – alongside the likes of Michelle Obama – for her patronage of a number of charities as well as her ‘modest reluctance’ to steal the spotlight from the future King, Prince William. But 14 years ago, when the future Queen Consort attended the then-Prince Charles’ 60th birthday, she was largely unknown and was consequently ignored, a former royal butler has claimed. Kate Middleton was ignored at King Charles III’s 60th birthday party, an ex-butler has claimed (Image: GETTY) Princess Kate was named one of TIME magazine’s most influential people in 2013 (Image: Getty)The 44-year-old British etiquette expert, who is also known as ‘the Royal Butler’, said he took pity on Kate who was ‘standing in the middle of a marquee on her own’. Mr Harrold, who worked for Charles for seven years, said he chatted to Kate until her then-boyfriend, William, came up to them. Speaking to MyLondon earlier this year, Mr Harrold said: ‘There was a marquee and everything. I remember Kate was standing in the middle on her own. And nobody was talking to her or going near her because they didn’t know who she was or recognise her. ‘I went over and chatted to her while we waited for Will to come in and it was quite sweet. But, now, could you imagine Kate in the middle of a room and no one speaking to her? It just wouldn’t happen, she’d be mobbed.’READ MORE: Camilla deemed Kate Middleton ‘not worthy’ of royalty – claims Mr Harrold said it hard to imagine Kate being ignored as today she would be ‘mobbed’ (Image: Getty) Kate Middle was far more shy around the Royal Family (Image: Getty)Duncan Larcombe, The Sun’s royal correspondent who was at the event, said in 2018 that Kate was far more shy and quiet than she is with the Royal Family today. While she may not have been recognised by fellow guests, Kate’s appearance at the party fuelled rumours that she and William would soon be engaged. However, Mr Larcombe said this was jumping the gun somewhat as the pair did not announce their engagement for another two years, in November 2010. He said: ‘It was always a question of when, not if, William would ask her to marry him. Kate being at the party fueled the rumours that they would get engaged soon – which were very premature.’ Other famous faces joined Kate and the royals for the celebration, including Dame Judi Dench. Rod Stewart, who was accompanied by his wife Penny Lancaster, reportedly performed ‘Do You Think I’m Sexy’.DON’T MISS: Acholic stools are ‘the most common’ sign of pancreatic cancer [INSIGHT]Putin humiliated as Russian troop salaries set to bankrupt Kremlin [ANALYSIS]Bank of England set to announce biggest interest rise in 33 years [REPORT] Kate and William did not get engaged for another two years after Charles’ birthday (Image: Getty)Mr Harrold, who also helped take care of William, Kate and Prince Harry as well as the new Monarch, said it proves ‘how much has changed’ in the years since as it would be unfathomable that Kate would be ignored at a royal event today. The Kate the public knows today is quite different from the young woman she once was as she has taken on the role of royal and future Queen. Mr Harrold continued: ‘There’s part of her that’s now very royal because obviously she’s a future Queen and she’s had to fit into that role.’He added: ‘She was just great, she was down to earth, she was fun, with a wonderful sense of humour.’William proposed to Kate while they were on holiday with friends in Kenya in 2010. They tied the knot a year later at Westminster Abbey with almost 2,000 guests watching on.