The relationship between Kate Middleton and Queen Camilla has often been portrayed as one of mutual respect and admiration.

Camilla, having faced intense public backlash and scrutiny when her affair with then-prince Charles was made public, was determined to protect Kate from similar challenges as she prepared to marry Prince William.

From the moment the two met, Camilla was reportedly very welcoming towards Kate. When Kate joined the royal family, Camilla made a conscious effort to build a relationship with her. She extended the same effort towards both Prince William and Prince Harry, though her relationship with Harry didn’t develop as well, especially in light of his ongoing rift with the royal family, which has left him with few supporters within the family.

Before Kate and William tied the knot, Camilla allegedly invited Kate to dinner, along with Kate’s sister, Pippa, and her daughter, Laura Lopes.

They were all getting on very well and they clearly hadn’t asked for an out-of-the-way table and nor did they attempt to lower their voices,” a person who overheard their conversation told the Daily Mail. “There was one moment which was clearly meant to be amusing when Kate said, ‘What happens if William doesn’t turn up?’”

Camilla reportedly presented Kate Middleton with a deeply personal gift for her wedding: a bracelet featuring engraved letters “Cs” on either side of the charm. It’s widely speculated that these letters represent “Catherine” and “Camilla.”