This Is How Kate Middleton Is Like Prince Philip
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When Kate Middleton married Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge joined the royal family knowing that one day she'd likely become queen herself. But until that day comes, the mother of three seemingly continues to take her cues from Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth's husband, when it comes to understanding her place among other key figures of the British monarchy.
Sarah Gristwood, writer of Elizabeth: The Queen and the Crown, told People that, while Kate and William's "love match" made for a "modern royal marriage," it's also slightly "old-fashioned" because Kate "mostly appears as a supportive figure to her husband."
"She's never trying to outshine him in any way," royal biographer Penny Junor noted, per the outlet. "I think that Kate is a bit like Prince Philip supporting the Queen. She doesn't outshine William but still has a lot to say herself."
Much like Philip, Kate has established her solid reputation within the royal family, but she rarely lets her star power outshine that of her husband, the future king. "Catherine is the sort of woman who will take on whatever she needs to," a source told People. "If she needs to step up to the plate, she does it — and she always has. She and William are a formidable team."
William echoed this sentiment in the documentary Football, Prince William and our Mental Health, when he said (via People) "we support each other and we go through those moments together and we kind of evolve and learn together." We adore the strong bond these two royals share!
Kate Middleton doesn't let the pressure to be perfect get her down
While Sarah Gristwood, author of Elizabeth: The Queen and the Crown, told People that Kate Middleton would "have to be superhuman not to feel the pressure" that comes with her role as the future queen, other sources note that Kate continues to thrive despite Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's exit from the royal family. Previously, the U.K.'s Tatler magazine claimed Kate felt "exhausted and trapped" after the pair stepped back from their official duties, but, in reality, Kate "certainly would resent someone saying that she is struggling," according to a People source.
"I can understand why she would feel that is a total misrepresentation of the truth, because it really isn't the case," the source said. "If anything, she is relishing the role more than ever. And she will do it all to the best of her ability."
Royal etiquette expert Myka Meier added that, as the future queen, Kate's become a role model to the U.K. and the world, so all eyes are on her. "The added pressure of having cameras everywhere to catch even the slightest eye movement makes everything she does a conscious effort. From the perfectly poised posture to the way she descends a staircase or gets out of a car — it is all carefully done."
And while another insider thinks "the pressure is more about her public image" as she balances charity work, marriage, and motherhood simultaneously, we know the style icon will be an amazing queen when her time comes!