She always comes out top in the opinion polls with 72 per cent of Brits feeling favourably towards her.
Kate Middleton is known for her quiet confidence, strong work ethic and dedication to her family and public duties.
But in her early days as a working royal, there was one habit which landed her in hot water with other members of the Royal Family.
As a boarder at Marlborough College, Kate will have had little choice but to adapt to unfamiliar environments and find common ground with her dorm mates.
Former pupils and staff described her as a ‘quiet girl’ with ‘little confidence’, but this quickly changed as she settled in.
Naturally kind hearted, she quickly gained a close circle of friends and was later hailed as ‘Person most likely to be loved by everybody’ in her yearbook.
Perhaps this was a moment of subtle foreshadowing.
After meeting William at St Andrews, she was introduced to a whole new world of customs and traditions by the Royal Family.
Kate Middleton – pictured in 2023 – is known for her quiet confidence, strong work ethic and dedication to her family and public duties
The Princess of Wales is pictured chatting to cheering crowds in Leicester in March, 2012
Kate – pictured with the late Queen in 2012 – said: ‘I think there is a real art to walkabouts, everyone teases me in the family that I spend far too long chatting’
In an interview marking the late Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday, Kate revealed that her in-laws would ‘tease’ her about a certain habit, which she had to learn to correct over time.
Kate explained that it even occurred during her very first engagement with the late Queen, saying: ‘The most memorable engagement for me I suppose was an away day to Leicester and I went without William so I was rather apprehensive about that.
‘I think there is a real art to walkabouts, everyone teases me in the family that I spend far too long chatting so I think I’ve still got to learn a little bit more and pick up a few more tips I suppose.’
While not set-in-stone rules, members of the Royal Family are expected to follow royal etiquette in public, including protocol on how to sit, accepting gifts and curtseying.
The late Queen acted as a guide to royal life for Kate Middleton and the two would often meet up for tea.
Walkabouts are opportunities for members of the Royal Family meet well-wishers gathered on the streets.
The tradition was born in the 1970s during the Queen’s royal tour of Australia and New Zealand with Prince Philip.
This allowed them to ‘meet a greater number of people, not just officials and dignitaries’.
The princess is pictured speaking with the waiting crowd as she arrives at Leicester Cathedral in March 2012
Kate greets the crowd as she visits the Donald Dewar Leisure Centre to launch a new project for their foundation in April 2013 in Glasgow
The devoted Princess of Wales normally carries out over a hundred engagements per year whilst parenting her three children. She is pictured on a school visit in Oxford in 2012
Like the late Princess Diana, Kate has a natural charm which gives her an advantage when it comes to winning over public affection.
But there are rules for these events, including no selfies and not talking to one person for too long.
The devoted Princess of Wales normally carries out over a hundred engagements per year whilst parenting her three children.
But Kate has been caught getting carried away with conversations on multiple occasions.
William and Kate were in Jordan for the royal wedding between Crown Prince Al Hussein of Jordan and Princess Rajwa in 2023 – and all the guests were lining up to offer their congratulations to the newlyweds and have a quick catch up.
As the conversation went on, William was spotted on camera signalling to with his hands Kate to wrap up her conversation with the bride and groom so the line could keep moving.
Kate has been open about her own vulnerabilities, often doing so to connect with others.
In 2023 Kate answered questions from pupils from St Katherine’s School in Bristol with Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes.
Prince William and Kate are pictured on a visit to Fitzalan High School to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month in October 2023
Kate meets well wishers during a walkabout on The Mall ahead of King Charles III’s Coronation in London in May 2023
The princess’s natural ability to hold a conversation has come in particularly handy with children. She is pictured during a visit to St. John’s Primary School in Glasgow in May 2022
Kate is pictured chatting with a child during a visit to Northern Ireland
Dame Kelly said: ‘They were just asking her about being a royal. Was it something that she wanted to do? And she said she had to learn. It’s a struggle to know that you can be accepted and fit in and you are still learning every day.
‘Doing public speaking isn’t a natural thing for lots of people is it? And she was saying she is still working that out but has to project. So you know again, she humanised everything. Not everyone is perfect.’
Kate’s common touch has come in particularly handy with children.
Earlier this year Kate delighted a young girl who was thrilled to meet a ‘real-life princess’ as she took part in her first royal ‘away day’ since 2023 in south Wales.
The Princess of Wales visited children’s hospice Tŷ Hafan and Corgi sock manufacturer, which formed part of her ‘slow and gradual’ return to royal duties following her cancer treatment.
Kate was clearly in her element as she met with young children in the hospice, taking part in craft activities including a painted handprint, just as King Charles had done years earlier in his own role as patron.
After a long day, Kate was departing Corgi’s premises in the royal convoy – when she suddenly broke protocol, jumping out of the car and running towards delighted fans who had been waiting to catch a glimpse of her.
Among them was three-year-old Lily-Rose Logan, who had been crying out ‘hello princess’ in a bid to capture her attention.
Lily-Rose was delighted when Kate came running up to her, and even asked in wonder if she was really a princess.
The Princess of Wales is pictured at the Orchards Centre in Kent, to highlight the importance of supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities and their families
The Princess of Wales speaks to a group of children during a walkabout on the Long Walk near Windsor Castle in May 2023
Kate is a maternal figure and has a way of connecting with young children, like the late Princess Diana
Kate was equally taken with Lily-Rose, and gave a very sweet response, explaining that she was indeed a princess.
She said: ‘Yes I am! I wanted to come and say hello you and see your village, and what’s going on here, and see this amazing factory.’
Lily-Rose then showed Kate her toy banana, and handed it over to her as a gift. As onlookers laughed, Kate politely handed it back, before Lily threw it on the floor, and the giggling princess went to retrieve it.
Kate said: ‘Thank you for coming to say hello! I heard you saying hello from all the way back there, so I thought I should come and say hello to you. It’s very nice to meet you.’
Lily-Rose sweetly exclaimed: ‘I wanted to say hi to you!’
Kate added: ‘Do you know what they make over here? They make socks and jumpers. It’s very interesting. So maybe when you’re older you can have a look in there! It’s incredible what they’re doing.’
Royal convoys rarely stop after leaving an engagement – but the Princess of Wales was clearly determined to meet with those who had turned up to welcome her.
As the convoy was heading away, Kate jumped out and ran towards delighted crowds, to cheers and cries of ‘oh my god!’
As she ran over, the princess greeted crowds, saying: ‘Who was calling? Can I shake your hand? What’s your name? Hello, it’s very nice to meet you.’
Kate greeted members of the public after her visit to Corgi, a manufacturer in Wales
Royal convoys rarely stop after leaving an engagement – but the Princess of Wales was clearly determined to meet with those who had turned up to welcome her
Kate’s natural charm and empathy make her an excellent listener and conversationalist, like Diana was.
The ability to speak to people from ages and all walks of life are essential skills for a princess.
Like she did in her boarding school days she has learned to adapt her behaviour to new environments.
She also isn’t afraid to break royal protocol when the occasion is right.
