Kate's First Night As Queen!

KATE’S FIRST NIGHT AS QUEEN!

After much speculation over how the royal power cards will tumble in the wake of the Prince Andrew sex scandal, the royal family left it in no uncertain terms that the Duchess of Cambridge is leading the way when she dazzled at the annual Diplomatic Corps reception last week.

Resplendent in the famous Lover’s Knot tiara – once worn by Princess Diana – Kate mixed and mingled like a pro at the Queen’s reception at Buckingham Palace.

“It seemed very obvious that the officials were pushing her front and centre,” a source tells Woman’s Day.

The Queen, meanwhile, is believed to have only stayed an obligatory hour to greet guests before retiring for the night.

“She’s 93 and slowing down,” says a source. “But she was beaming as she watched Kate work the room – she knows her family will be in good hands.”

Even heir to the throne Prince Charles, 71, and his wife Camilla stood back to allow the young royals to wow the guests.

“Charles has accepted that if the monarchy is to survive, William and Kate’s popularity must be capitalized on – even if that means essentially sharing the crown with them.”