‘THE FUTURE OF THE MONARCHY RESTS ON HER SHOULDERS'

AS THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE CELEBRATES HER 40TH BIRTHDAY, WE TAKE A LOOK AT KATE AS MOTHER, ROYAL AND FASHION ICON

- SANDRA WALSH

When clever, sporty Kate Middleton captured the heart of our future king while both were still teenagers, few would have predicted that this young student from the home counties would one day represent the future of the monarchy.

Yet as she marks her 40th birthday on 9 January, Kate’s birthday wish is not to steal the limelight but to put family first, which is why she will be keeping them at the heart of her celebrations. Since those early days she has grown in poise and confidence, earning universal praise for how she has handled her multiple roles within the royal family.

As well as being mother to three royal children, including a future king, she’s also developed into a supportive partner to Prince William, a passionate leader of her chosen charities and a worldwide fashion icon.

“She is quite simply perfection,” says royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams. “Not only is she very popular with the public, which is crucial for the monarchy’s continued success, she really hasn’t put a foot wrong since joining the royal family in 2011. Catherine has shown herself to be the perfect partner for William in their working life and they seem to be very well suited as a couple. She’s certainly been able to give William the stability he never really had growing up.

“After the turbulent Charles and Diana years, the royals must be thanking their lucky stars that the sensible, glamorous duchess is in their midst. It’s not overstating it to say that, along with William, the future of the monarchy rests on her shoulders.”

FASHION ICON