Kate Middleton ‘draws on late Queen’s style’ – but has changed things in her own way

The Princess of Wales will always have the example of the Queen to look back on and it is likely she will use the late monarch’s ‘dignity, discretion and dedication’ as a guide

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The Princess of Wales has consistently been lauded for adeptly handling the challenges of royal life and carving out her niche, particularly in early years development. She brings a personal touch to her duties, whether by actively joining children on the floor during activities or sampling local delicacies at events.

However, certain individuals have played pivotal roles in shaping the Princess that we know today. Notably, Prince William has been a supportive force, as a leading royal expert tells OK! how he has been gently steering Kate as she adapted to life under the public’s watchful eye, but the legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s influence is immensely significant.

The Princess had several years of Queen Elizabeth’s example and influence to draw on ( 
Image:
Getty)

The commentator has speculated on how the Princess might draw from the vast reservoir of knowledge she has absorbed over her years in the Royal Family or possibly adopt a completely new direction when the day comes for Prince William to ascend the throne.

The dependable example set by the Queen offered almost two decades of mentorship to Kate, says Jennie Bond, former BBC royal correspondent. “Catherine is becoming more assured and confident as every year goes by, and I think she is now very much her own woman.”

Furthermore, Jennie added, “However, she would be crazy to ignore the example of a Queen who was so accomplished, so wise and experienced in what is a unique – and probably quite lonely – role.”

The Duchess of Cambridge comes down a slide during a visit to the LEGO Foundation PlayLab at the Carlsberg Campus, University College Copenhagen, Denmark, on day one of a two-day working visit with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. Picture date: Tuesday February 22, 2022. PA Photo. The Duchess of Cambridge launched The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in June 2021. The Centre aims to drive awareness of and action on the extraordinary impact of the early years. See PA story ROYAL Kate. Photo credit should read: John Sibley/PA Wire

The Princess of Wales often has those she meets in hysterics ( 
Image:
2023 Samir Hussein)
When asked if she believes the Princess will model herself after Queen Elizabeth’s style or forge her own path, Jennie speculated that the late monarch’s approach will always influence Kate. She said: “When her time as Queen comes, I imagine she will draw from the late Queen’s dignity, discretion and dedication, but add her own mix of informality when appropriate, for example, by joining in with sports, sitting on the floor with children or going down a slide.

“Catherine has already shown that she is very relatable, and of course she has had an entirely different upbringing to that of the late Queen and is perfectly aware of what a ‘normal’ life is like. And that will stand her in good stead.”

The Princess of Wales often shows off her modern approach to royal duties ( 
Image:
2023 Getty Images)

Following the passing of the Queen, Prince William paid tribute to his grandmother, acknowledging the impact she had on him, Kate, and their children.

He stated: “While I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of the Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had 20 years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives.”