Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, celebrated her 40th birthday on Sunday, reaching the milestone while her husband, Prince William, the future king, continues to rise in prominence.
Kate Middleton has risen to become one of the most popular royals — and a person critical to the monarchy’s future — after marrying into Britain’s most famous family in 2011.
In December, a televised Christmas carol concert enhanced her reputation as a safe pair of hands during a difficult period for the monarchy.
She wowed spectators by accompanying British singer-songwriter Tom Walker on piano for his moving song “For Those Who Can’t Be Here,” demonstrating her musical skills.
Kate secretly prepped for the Westminster Abbey performance, which was dedicated to everyone who helped their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
“She was terrific, and she smashed it. “What a gifted, compassionate, warm-hearted, gorgeous lady,” Walker added, adding that she is “quite calm, very pleasant.” “to all of you
Since the start of the worldwide health crisis, both Kate and William, who turns 40 in June, have become considerably more conspicuous public personalities.
The couple has held video talks with frontline healthcare professionals battling the outbreak, which has claimed the lives of approximately 150,000 people in the United Kingdom since early 2020.
They’ve also shared details of life with their three children, who are housed in a vast rural pile on a royal estate.
They’ve been seen at official events after the limitations were loosened, from the glamorous world premiere of the new James Bond film to meeting world leaders at the G7 and UN climate change summits.
Kate has also pushed her own initiatives, such as encouraging early childhood education and promoting mental health and environmental protection with William.
Polite tenacity
Kate’s courteous, down-to-earth, and unflustered personality, according to the couple’s former private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, was part of her attraction.
He compared her to Queen Elizabeth II’s own mother, who was a symbol of British resiliency during WWII.
“She’s a formidable opponent. She has a Queen Mother-like quality about her, and she is quick to act when things need to be done.”
Kate’s middle-class upbringing has received a lot of attention since she and William began dating as students in Scotland.
Despite her attendance at one of Britain’s most prestigious private schools, much was made of how she would fit into the arcane world of monarchy, with its traditions and customs.
Early similarities were made to Princess Diana, William’s mother, who suffered with the forensic media attention following her 1981 marriage to Prince Charles.
But, unlike her sister-in-law, Meghan, Kate has given the public the sense of eagerness to embrace royal duties.
Meghan has gotten a lot of good press in the British press, especially since she and her husband Prince Harry left the royal family last year and relocated to the United States.
– Are you up to it?
Some speculate that the public’s differing opinions of Kate and Meghan are due to a uniquely British reaction to emotional candour in a country noted for its stiff upper lip reserve.
Meghan’s criticism of a revered British institution, which included racism accusations, did not help matters.
Despite this, Kate, who is known for meticulously curating family-related social media posts, has received some flak, not least for her flawless appearance.
She’s been compared to a “shop-window mannequin with no individuality of her own,” according to novelist Hilary Mantel.
In royal circles, though, she is clearly recognised as a trustworthy figure at a critical time.
A US legal lawsuit alleging sexual assault against the Queen’s second son, Prince Andrew, and his ties to convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell has also shattered the royal family.
Harry is also planning to write his memoirs this year, despite the possibility of new revelations.
With the Queen being 95 and unable to perform public duties due to ill health, William’s father, Charles, and his second wife, Camilla, have gained prominence.
But, at 73, Charles’ reign will be perceived as a transition to William and Kate’s more modern, compassionate, and Instagrammable image of a venerable institution.
With Harry in exile, Andrew in the shadows, and other senior royals at retirement age, royal author Phil Dampier believes “the whole future lies with William and Kate.”
“Fortunately, they appear to be up to the challenge, and I’m confident her best is yet to come,” he told the Daily Mail.
