A thoroughly modern duchess KATE'S FAB AT 40!

The royally adored mother of three celebrates a decade of duty and a truly special milestone

- Judy Kean

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, may be one of the most famous women in the world, but that doesn’t mean she wants to be in the spotlight all the time, even on special occasions. And when it comes to turning 40 this week, the only thing the mum-of-three wants is to spend time with her nearest and dearest.

“I think Kate’s 40th will be low-key and focused entirely on her family,” says royal writer Duncan Larcombe. “It’s just not Kate’s style to want to throw a lavish party. I think we can expect Kate to be deliberately modest, with no fuss.”

A big gathering would also be in bad taste given the current surge in Covid cases in the UK, so Kate is likely to have a quiet celebration at home with her husband Prince William and their children Prince George, eight, Princess Charlotte, six, and Prince Louis, three. Her parents Carole, 66, and Michael Middleton, 72, along with her siblings Pippa Matthews, 38, and James Middleton, 34, and their families, are also expected to help her mark the milestone.

But even if she doesn’t want a fuss, tributes are likely to pour in in honour of the huge contribution she makes to the royal family. One of the most popular royals, commoner Kate has proved to be a very valuable asset to the monarchy and as she enters her forties, she can look back knowing that for the last decade, since marrying William, she has been able to make a difference to the lives of others by embracing her royal role and promoting causes close to her heart.