A beautiful commoner turned fairytale Princess is the stuff of Disney movies and fantasy folklore — but the famed storybook narrative of girl meets Prince and falls in love to become a ravishing and radiant royal — is the true story of Duchess Kate. From a cozy Georgian property in Berkshire to a 20-room palace in Kensington Gardens — Kate has gone from modest middle-class to the luxe life of Cinderella. While not exactly a rags to riches tale, the duchess has transitioned from countryside commoner to posh princess overnight.
Still, despite the luxurious glow up — the ‘mum’ of three remains as down to earth as ever and is frequently spotted doing her own grocery shopping, driving her car and taking the kids to school. The duchess has such a humble streak that her gardener and housekeeper quit because Kate was doing much of the chores herself. Thus, Kate proves to be a modern woman, princess and mom.
Here are 8 Things We Love about Kate Middleton:
- Dirt Never Hurt
Nothing makes Kate look more approachable than when she really digs into her duties — especially even she has a little fun in the mud or has a giggle playing with young scouts making wildflower seed bombs.
2. Ice Scream Queen
We have to admit we love to see the Duchess enjoying herself — ever fascinated with her dietary adventures — we find it adorable when Kate tucks into a sundae, has a champagne cocktail or treats herself to tapas. She’s human after all!
3. Cheering on Children
The duchess really has an impact when she visits children — as the duchess often is spotted at hospitals, hospices and homeless centers — Kate shines in the presence of children. Powerful and uplifting, Kate’s visits with those suffering from illness, addiction or physical challenges is what makes her a modern Queen of Hearts.
4. Unpretentious Parenting
Rather than being surrounded by a slew of nannies at a fancy picnic table — Kate has the charm of a regular mom and is often spotted enjoying the great outdoors sans au pair or assistants. The Cambridge kids appear to eat packed lunches, simple snacks and treats from their portable cooler.
5. Ketchup Already
The duchess doesn’t shun an opportunity to sample a few garden delights even if they hit the ground . During a “Taste Garden” event at the Chelsea Flower show — Kate even sampled a red edible tomato that had fallen to the floor.
6. Family Matters
The duchess has made Early Childhood Development her legacy project as a royal — Kate’s new Royal Foundation Centre will help drive awareness, action and research into the field of the early years. Of particular importance to Kate is helping children with mental health issues find the support they need. In fact, Kate’s passion project hits close to home as her younger brother James Middleton has battled clinical depression — the duchess reportedly was so concerned with his welfare that she attended therapy with her little brother.
7. Affection for Royal Relatives
The Duchess of Cambridge seems to have a cordial and warm relationship with her in-laws including Zara Tindall, Sophie Wessex and Prince Charles. In addition, the duchess seems to have a close connection and special bond with the Queen. Duchess Kate seemed especially supportive of her relatives during Prince Philip’s funeral and was spotted embracing and comforting her father-in-law.
8. Dedicated to Diana
In subtle and obvious ways — Duchess Kate keeps the memory of Princess Diana alive. Frequently spotted in clothing and accessories that is reminiscent of Diana’s favorites — from polka dots to top handle bags to ruffle neck shirts and bow blouses — Kate often pays sartorial homage to her late mother-in-law. Recently, the duchess wore a Miu Miu red sweater cardigan with a white collar that was strikingly similar to one of Diana’s most talked about pullovers — a red and white sheep sweater.
