Kate Middleton draws on late Queen's dignity – but has changed things in her own way
The Princess of Wales is continuously praised for the way she has expertly navigated life in the Royal Family and made a name for herself in her main areas of interest, such as early years development. While she brings her own character to the role - whether it is sitting on the floor to join in with activities or trying any local foods offered to her - there are key figures who have been instrumental in creating the future Queen we see before us.
Of course it is Prince William who has been the guiding hand for his wife over the years as she slowly got to grips with the demands of life in the public eye, but the influence and example of the late Queen cannot be overstated.
Looking much further ahead to the future, a leading royal expert has explained how far the Princess will tap into the expertise she witnessed first hand or whether she will take an entirely fresh approach when Prince William is on the throne.
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The monarch's steadfast example provided Kate with almost two decades of guidance as former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond previously told OK!: "Catherine is becoming more assured and confident as every year goes by, and I think she is now very much her own woman.
"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."
Asked whether she thinks the Princess will mould herself on the style taken by Queen Elizabeth or whether she will strike out alone, Jennie imagines the monarch's approach will always be in the back of Kate's mind.
She added: "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."
At the time of the late Queen's passing, Prince William paid tribute to his grandmother and noted the influence she had on both him and Kate, as well as the example she set.
He said at the time: "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."
