Jewel in the crown KATE'S PRINCESS PROGRESS

She's having a Wales of a time creating her own unique legacy

- Judy Kean

They’re big shoes to fill, but in her first six months as Princess of Wales, Kate is proving she’s not only more than capable of following in the footsteps of her late mother-in-law Princess Diana, but she’s creating her own formidable path.

Kate was well aware that when she was given the title after the death of the Queen that all eyes would be on her to see how well she handled the prestigious position, and that there would be the inevitable comparisons with the predecessor she never met.

When she got engaged to William back in 2010, TV interviewer Tom Bradby asked if it felt intimidating knowing she would one day be Princess of Wales, when the last person to hold that position was “a massive iconic figure

Kate diplomatically replied, “She’s obviously an inspirational woman to look up to.” William quickly added, “It’s about making your own future and your own destiny, and Kate will do a very good job of that.”

As the Duchess of Cambridge for 11 years, she showed she’s able to represent the royal family with class and dignity. But Princess of Wales is another step up and comes with extra expectations. As one royal commentator puts it, “Kate is faced with walking the weighty line of honouring the Princess of Wales who came before her, while also charting her own path.”