She appeared in the twilight, surrounded by a multitude of candles, her fingers twirling on the keys of a piano.
At the end of December, Kate Middleton surprised the assembly during the concert “Together at Christmas” (translate, “Ensemble à Noël”), broadcast on ITV while playing the first notes of the song
For Those Who Can't Be Here
in the abbey .
of Westminster.
“Could it be more perfect?” Asked a user.
At just 40 years old - a birthday she is celebrating this Sunday, January 9 - Kate Middleton already has everything of a queen consort.
Once erased, the wife of Prince William is no longer afraid to take center stage.
In video, Kate Middleton at the piano during the Christmas concert
New insurance
Of an introverted nature, Kate Middleton has gradually conquered her shyness. "I think she would say it herself: she was not born to become a public figure", recently confirmed a relative in the columns of the magazine
Hello!
. Her friends often describe her as reserved and caring, as a young woman who would never have sought such a role before her marriage to Prince William. Eleven years after the Cambridge union, however, the Duchess has gained aplomb. If its nature reserve sometimes picks up the pace - she "still finds it difficult to rub shoulders with international leaders," says one of her friends - Kate Middleton is gradually taking over her future role. And gain confidence.
In fact, Prince Charles' daughter-in-law no longer hesitates to perform in public, or to deliver speeches drafted by him.
One of his speeches, made in 2019 on the occasion of the opening of a palliative care center for children in Norfolk, was described as “exceptional” by the spokesperson for the establishment.
Last October, she delivered a powerful plea on addiction during a campaign on the abuse of drug addiction.
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton appeared on the red carpet at the London premiere of
No Time to Die
in a long gold caped gown embellished with pearls and sequins by Jenny Packham.
(London, September 28, 2021.)
Getty Images
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton chose an Alexander McQueen dress, first worn in 2011, for the Earthshot Award.
(London, October 17, 2021.)
Getty Images
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton made a splash at a November 18 concert at the Royal Albert Hall in a Jenny Packham pine green sequined evening gown.
(London, November 18, 2021.)
Getty Images
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
For the British Academy Film Awards, Kate Middleton chose an Alexander McQueen asymmetric white chiffon long dress to walk the red carpet.
(London, February 10, 2019.)
Getty Images
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
Kate Middleton, 40 years old and a strong style
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21 photos
A stronger commitment
“No one chooses to become dependent,” she says in a most personal speech, her maternal uncle himself being a former drug addict. But it can happen to any of us. None of us is immune (...) "
In March, Kate Middleton also takes a step forward in her feminist commitment.
The wife of Prince William makes an unexpected appearance at the vigil organized in honor of the young Briton Sarah Everard, a rally that the police had refused to supervise.
She also wrote a letter to the family of the victim, killed and raped by a police officer.
Kate Middleton expresses her "deep sadness", and declares to remember "what she felt when she was young and walked alone in the streets of London".
Suffice to say that the gesture is unusual on the part of a member of the royal family.
A powerful mother
Such a commitment would not have been possible without an essential factor. According to the entourage of the mother of princes George, 8, Charlotte, 6 and Louis, 3, Kate Middleton wanted to become an accomplished parent before taking on new responsibilities. With the feeling of having succeeded, she undoubtedly considers that it is time to devote herself to her role as a public figure.
According to historian Robert Lacey, Prince William and his wife would be perfectly aware of the "different destinies that await their three children", the eldest being destined to become king, and his younger children to remain prince and princess.
The Cambridges are nonetheless determined to ensure their normal existence.
"As royal parents, Kate and William do everything to ensure that they enjoy the peaceful childhood that William and Harry did not know," said Robert Lacey.
The Cambridges would be particularly involved in the life of Thomas's Battersea school, to which they drive their children (almost) every morning.
The battle of the "Megxit"
A daily life a thousand miles from that of the Sussexes. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have indeed announced that they will quit their royal duties on January 8, 2020, before moving to the United States. Since then, the couple gave an interview to Oprah Winfrey, in March 2021, in which they pin the royal family. Meghan Markle attacks Kate Middleton in particular, and returns to an episode that would have occurred in 2018, on the eve of her marriage. Episode in which Kate would have made him cry.
Kate Middleton then chooses to remain silent. She continues to send gifts to the Sussexes on special occasions, and actively works for reconciliation between her husband and Prince Harry. During Prince Philip's funeral on April 17, 2021, she played a key role in their reunion. After mass, she joins Prince Harry to welcome him, and calls out to Prince William, before slipping away, allowing them to break the ice.
At the same time, Kate Middleton supports Elizabeth II by ensuring the commitments abandoned by the Sussexes.
And collects the votes of the British.
The latter give him 53% favorable opinions in a poll conducted by the
Daily Mail
, against 22% for Meghan Markle.
It is clear that the words of the Duchess of Sussex did not ultimately mar the popularity of Kate Middleton.
Inspiring style
Quite the contrary. The English as the whole world admire the Duchess of Cambridge, for her engagements as for her cloakroom. We can no longer count the Instagram profiles that offer to copy the simple and elegant outfits of the Duchess at a lower cost. At the end of December, Princess Madeleine of Sweden was inspired by her 2018 Christmas outfit. The
Daily Mail
also revealed that Kate Middleton had halved the value of her wardrobe in 2021.
All this by recycling his cloakroom on multiple occasions.
This does not prevent her from making glamorous appearances, as at the premiere of
James Bond: Dying can wait
, in a sun-colored dress signed Jenny Packham.
New proof that at 40, the Duchess shines more than ever.
The editorial team advises you
Four new outfits, recycled clothes ... How Kate Middleton saved 45,000 pounds in 2021
Tuxedo, rhinestones and backseat: the Hollywood photo of Kate and William for the New Year
Sequined dresses, red monochromes or simple sneakers: Kate Middleton's big fashion year 2021
