Moment Princess Kate was so nervous her hand was ‘trembling’

The Prince and Princess of Wales posed for photographs following their engagement in 2010.

Princess Catherine was reportedly ‘nervous’ during her engagement photoshoot in 2010 (Image: GETTY)

Moment Princess Kate was so nervous her hand was ‘trembling’

The Prince and Princess of Wales posed for photographs following their engagement in 2010.

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By Lauren Welch, Royal Reporter based in London

16:07, Fri, Jan 2, 2026 Updated: 16:08, Fri, Jan 2, 2026

Princess Catherine was reportedly ‘nervous’ during her engagement photoshoot in 2010 (Image: GETTY)

Veteran royal photographer Arthur Edwards has recalled how Princess Catherine was so overcome by nerves that her hand was “trembling” during the couple’s 2010 engagement photocall. The couple, who met in the early 2000s at St Andrews University, got engaged during a private holiday to Kenya in October 2010.

The couple made the decision to keep their happy news to themselves for a few weeks, with the news of their engagement finally revealed to the public on November 16, 2010. After sharing their news, the couple were thrusted into the spotlight where Catherine was reportedly feeling very nervous to step out in front of the awaiting media.

Whilst the loved-up couple stood for photographs in front of the awaiting photographers, Mr Edwards remembered how William had to hold his future wife’s hand so he could get a clear close-up shot of the beautiful engagement ring.

Mr Edwards later revealed: “She was so nervous, her hand was shaking. He [William] had to hold her hand steady so I could photograph it.”

Showcasing her humble nature, Kate later admitted that she was daunted by the prospect of her new public role.

She said: “It’s obviously nerve-wracking because I don’t know the ropes really”, before admitting, “I’m willing to learn quickly and work hard”.

Now the proud owner of one of the most enviable engagement rings in the world, Catherine was proposed to with her late mother-in-law’s sapphire ring for a heartbreaking reason.

Royal photographer Arthur Edwards claims that William had to hold her hand (Image: GETTY)

In their engagement interview, William was asked about the ring and replied that he wanted to propose with the ring heirloom so that his late mother could be part of the very special moment.

Standing arm-in-arm with his fiancée in St James’s Palace, William told reporters: “Well, of course, you will recognise this as my mother’s engagement ring. It’s my way of making sure my mother didn’t miss out on today.”

The couple later wed in London in April 2011, and are now proud parents to Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Prince Louis.