Kate Middleton was delighted to get a crossword clue about the Queen right %%

(Image credit: Getty)

published 16 May 2022

If you're stuck on a royal crossword clue, who better to call on than the Duchess?

There's a certain amount of pressure that comes with filling in a crossword when someone is watching. We all know that feeling. But imagine when the clue is about the Queen, and well, you're Kate Middleton.

On an official trip to Scotland last week, that is exactly what happened to the Duchess of Cambridge, or the Countess of Strathearn as she's styled in the country. During a visit to the University of Glasgow, undergraduate student Jack Baird asked Kate for some help on a clue in his copy of The Times crossword.

The clue asked for a five and four letter name for the 'sovereign's annual allowance'. Reportedly, Kate deliberated for a moment before getting the correct answer, which was 'Civil List'. Baird said that he'd struggled on the second word and asked the Duchess as he was sure she must know.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Baird said: “She was very excited. It didn't look like she was going to get it for a moment. I'm really chuffed. I'm going to frame it. She looked thrilled. I think she thought, ‘I wouldn't live this down if I get this wrong.’”

He also said that the moment had been entirely spontaneous, as he'd been studying in the library for exams and only popped out to see what the commotion outside was all about.

In fact, the Royals' visit to the university was so popular, that the Duke and Duchess' team put out a tweet saying: "So many students! Sorry if we missed you."

The royal couple were in Scotland for a packed day of engagements, that included a visit to St John's Primary School in Glasgow to take part in a 'Roots of Empathy' session, a trip to the Wheatley Group site to discuss the challenges of homelessness and a visit to the University of Glasgow, where researchers at the institution's School of Psychology and Neuroscience are focusing on mental wellbeing.

Kate, who achieved a 2:1 in art history at fellow Scottish university St.Andrews, seems to enjoy a brain teaser. Her husband, Prince William has previously mentioned Kate's love of jigsaw puzzles and it seems even on a busy day, she has time to help with a crossword clue.

Amy Sedghi is a freelance journalist, specialising in health and fitness, travel, beauty, sustainability and cycling.

Having started her career in The Guardian newsroom working with an award-winning team, Amy's proud to have reported on a variety of topics, speaking to a range of voices and travelling far and wide to do so. From interviews on ski lifts to writing up breaking stories outside courtrooms, Amy is used to reporting from a range of locations (she’s even been known to type up a story in a tent).

She also loves being active, spending time outdoors and travelling - with some of her favourite features she’s worked on combining all three. Cycling and eating her way round the Isle of Man, learning to sail on the Côte d'Azur and traversing the Caminito del Rey path in Spain are just some of her highlights.

Covering a diverse range of subjects appeals to Amy. One minute she may be writing about her online styling session with Katie Holmes’ stylist and the next she’s transporting readers to the basketball courts of Haringey where she joined a group trying to lower knife crime in the capital.

While at university, Amy was awarded The Media Society bursary. Following her stint at the Guardian, Amy worked at Google and as well as writing for Marie Claire, she regularly contributes interviews, features and articles to National Geographic Traveller, The Guardian, The Independent, The Telegraph, Stylist, Refinery29, Glorious Sport, Cycling Weekly and Rouleur.

When she’s not writing, Amy can be found trying to get through her towering stack of books-to-read, cycling down at Herne Hill Velodrome or looking for the next place to eat and drink with friends.

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