Queen Kate Takes Charge

Rising above the whispers and wrongdoings, the duchess steps in to show the palace and the public who’s boss!

It's been a fortnight of grabbing headlines for all the wrong reasons for the Duchess of Cambridge – not that you’d know it, after her dazzling appearance at the annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace.

With her favourite Lover’s Knot Tiara firmly in place and wearing an incredible custom Jenny Packham ball gown, 36-year-old Kate proved she would not be brought down by scurrilous rumours of a rift between herself and her new sister-in-law Meghan Markle.

Sources tell Woman’s Day her graciousness at the reception was not lost on Queen Elizabeth, who is said to have since confided to Prince William that his wife will make a “fabulous” Queen when her time comes.

“Her Majesty has always appreciated that Kate is hard-working, honest and extremely committed to never putting a foot wrong but she really went above and beyond last week,” confirms a palace insider. “Kate’s never been hugely comfortable with the spotlight but she was aware the family were facing a public relations nightmare over all the reports that Meghan’s terrorising the castle so she really put herself out there in order to regain public favour.”

This comes after several claims have been made that Meghan’s “demanding” approach to life as a royal has led to clashes between the duchesses – with one report even claiming Kate broke down in tears and complained about Meghan’s treatment of palace staffers.

Several sources have also spilled that the ladies’ husbands, Princes William and Harry, are barely on speaking terms over the scandal.

Despite the situation, which is without doubt traumatic, Kate’s show of professionalism has earned her widespread praise.