AS The Princess of Wales turns 44 on Friday, the polls have crowned her our most popular royal.
It is no surprise to many. The monarchy has long needed someone who could help modernise it without breaking it.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, smiling and waving at the Christmas Morning Service.
Princess Kate is our most popular royalCredit: Getty
Catherine, Princess of Wales, wearing a tiara, gown, and sash at a state banquet.5
The monarchy has long needed someone like KateCredit: Reuters
Kate Middleton, now Catherine the Princess of Wales, has stepped up — defining her role in The Firm on her own terms.
Diana, once “the People’s Princess” — beloved but broken — was lauded.
But she was not its saviour, more somebody who exposed its flaws.
Catherine is the Crown’s weapon — not so secret any more. The institution doesn’t serve her. She serves it.
And by doing it brilliantly, she has made it serve her family’s future. That’s mastery.
After treatment for cancer, after all the doubts, she has proved critics wrong.
The corner turned. Her work continues.
She’s just getting started.
Catherine is unique, the monarchy’s future rendered in perfect poise and calculated strategy.
A commoner by birth who shines, she is the royals’ sparkling gem.