QUEEN TELLS KATE: ‘ONLY YOU CAN SAVE US'

THE MONARCHY’S FATE RESTS ON THE DUCHESS’ SHOULDERS

CRISIS TALKS AT SANDRINGHAM

Ever since Kate Middleton was warmly welcomed into the royal family, she’s rarely put a foot wrong.

Now a duchess and mother to the future king, Kate is all too aware that the monarchy’s survival very much rests on her shoulders – a fact that hasn’t escaped her grandmotherin-law, the Queen, either.

“Her Majesty can’t believe her good fortune that William married such an incredible young woman, who radiates nothing but kindness, maturity and work ethic – Kate reminds her of herself,” says a source. “The Queen has regarded Kate as the family’s secret weapon ever since she saw the global outpouring of goodwill on her wedding day.”

Last week, the 95-year-old monarch retreated to Wood Cottage on the Sandringham estate, where she’s taking time to plot the next year for her family. And Kate, 40, remains an integral part of her plans.