So Much In Common

Monaco’s Charlene and Britain’s Kate are two of the most striking beauties in the world. We compare their fabulous lives

- Nici De Wet

 

THEY’RE commoners plucked from the masses by princes, women with style and charm who’ve captured the hearts of people around the globe, devoted moms with adorable tots, tireless workers for the good of others . . .

No wonder the world can’t get enough of them. The Duchess of Cambridge and Her Serene Highness of Monaco are the epitome of modern royals, down-to-earth, caring and classy.

Kate (35) and Charlene (38) have been credited with elevating their respective royal families in the eyes of the people, steadfastly doing their duty while blazing a trail for the next generation of blue-bloods.

We take a closer look at these two remarkable women.

THE STRONG WOMEN IN THEIR LIVES

IT’S no secret Kate is close to her mother, Carole Middleton, and turns to her for help and guidance, especially when it comes to raising her kids, Prince George (3) and 20-month-old Princess Charlotte. Carole (61), a flight attendantturned-party business entrepreneur, reportedly sent her daughter to St Andrews university in Scotland when she heard Prince William had enrolled, in the hope Kate would catch a king-to-be. And now that the mission has been accomplished she’s as involved in her daughter’s life as possible.

Carole is a hands-on grandmother who often cares for her grandkids when Kate and William are at public engagements and has been described as “doing many things a nanny or governess used to” by royal historian Robert Lacey.

Since joining the royal fold Kate has also found support in William’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. In a documentary last year she revealed how the 90-year-old has helped her adjust to the royal spotlight since her wedding in 2011, saying she’s given her “gentle guidance”.