“Skinny and meek”: Duchess Kate's sad and lonely childhood
Kate Middleton is one of the most beloved women in the world – known for her charitable acts, elegance and charm. Her life now tolls a different path to the “emotional wreck” she once was, according to old classmates.
Jessica Hay, a former classmate to the duchess, told The Sun she was pulled out of the all-girls boarding school Downe House because she was being picked on and tormented.
“She was picked on because she was perfect, well-turned out and lovely,” she said.
Duchess Kate was bullied so viciously, she became an “emotional wreck” and developed the skin condition eczema due to stress of the ordeal.
Kate was enrolled at the Marlborough College in Wiltshire, despite it being so far from home for her. Former classmate, Gemma Williamson told the Daily Mail Kate had “very little confidence".
“Apparently she had been bullied very badly and she certainly looked thin and pale.
“They rounded up on her a bit because she was quite a soft and nice person,” she said of her school peer.
In her new school she flourished, going on to become a prefect and head of house. Throwing herself into her new environment she took up several sporting activities, including tennis and hockey.
Fittingly enough the Duchess was voted by her peers as “most likely to be loved by all".
Since her dark school days, Kate is using her voice to steer discussions towards mental health and anti-bullying movements.
In a moving speech addressing children’s health and well-being, Kate said having conversations about mental health can make a real difference in a young person’s life.
“I see time and time again that there is so much to be gained from talking of mental health and taking the mental health of our children as seriously as we do their physical health,” she said.
If you or someone you know needs help with bullying, contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au