The Duchess of Cambridge has seen her life change immeasurably over the past decade, while becoming more self-assured and confident in her royal status.
Now, as she gets set to celebrate her 39th birthday on January 9, with her husband the Duke of Cambridge, 38, and their three children, Kate has every right to feel proud of her achievements.
Former royal correspondent Duncan Larcombe has known the St Andrews University alumni from the early days of her romance with William.
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“I first spoke to Kate when she joined Prince Charles’ ski trip to Klosters, in Switzerland in 2005.
She was very shy, but also smiley and carefree. There was no indication of a future monarch in our midst,” says Duncan.
“15 years later and she has morphed into the perfect Queen-in-waiting.”
Since then, Kate has attended hundreds of royal engagements and as Duncan points out, she has behaved impeccably – except for one tiny faux pas at the St Patrick’s Day parade in 2013.
“She has only slipped up once. She got her heel caught in a drain.
That is quite literally the only time Kate has ever put a foot wrong!” he reveals.
“Even after giving birth to Prince George, she looked like she was going to a wedding.
In fact, after each birth she has looked incredible. Her outfits sell out in record time too. She’s nailed everything.”
Kate’s close relationship with Her Majesty has also helped cement her popularity.
The two are said to have grown closer after the Cambridges moved on a more permanent basis from Anmer Hall in Norfolk to 1A, Kensington Palace, in 2013.
“Kate has never tried to be at the centre of everything, she’s happy to support William,” says Duncan.
“She speaks fluently and compassionately about her cherished causes and is flawless – others who marry into the royal family in future have a very tough act to follow.
They’ll probably never measure up to Kate.”
Over the next 12 months Kate has some exciting events to look forward to, including a poignant trip to mark her 10th wedding anniversary on April 29.
Kate and William announced their engagement in November 2010 after he proposed at the foothills of Mount Kenya in Africa.
Covid restrictions permitting, they’re planning to celebrate their romantic milestone by returning to Kenya, with their three children in tow.
