Having won praise for her style, which mixes designer with high street, ability to make those she meets feel instantly at ease, and obvious enjoyment of her new role - especially when it comes to meeting children - Kate's not put a foot wrong as she embarks on a life that has seen her rub shoulders with the Obamas one day and visit an art centre for underprivileged children the next.
So, in celebration of her first quarter year of Princess duties, we peek into Kate's new life so far…
The weekly shop: From wedding to Waitrose
Just days after her April nuptials that enthralled the world, Kate was back in Anglesey in Wales, where she and William are based, and was spotted stocking up at the local Waitrose - bodyguard discreetly in tow.
"She loaded all the shopping into her car on her own, then skipped as she ran the trolley back to the park," spilled a fellow shopper. "She looked very happy and was smiling at people."
And royal correspondent, Kate Nicholl, reveals that doing the food shopping was part of a ‘pact' the pair made before they wed, spilling, "William wants to dress himself in the morning, Kate wants to cook for them - she wants to do the grocery shopping. They have a housekeeper, and that's it," she says. "This is a couple that doesn't want any frills or any aides."
A-list pals: A princess in Hollywood
Having been with William for eight years before they wed, Kate was already experienced at meeting the odd celeb, but the couple's recent trip to LA saw a McQueen-clad Kate rubbing shoulders with the Hollywood royalty likes of J-Lo, Tom Hanks and Nicole Kidman at a BAFTA party, and meet Reese Witherspoon at a charity event.
And Weeds actress, Mary Louise Parker, revealed that competition was fierce to get close to the royal couple in LA, spilling, "I didn't meet them. I was shoved out of the way by Jennifer Lopez!"
‘Modest home': Moving into the palace
With much made of Kate and Wills' concessions to the current global economic crisis - reflected in their decision to ask for donations to their favourite charities rather than accept wedding gifts - the pair has been given what have been dubbed ‘modest' apartments at William's childhood home, Kensington Palace, for their London base.
Moving in last week, Kate and William made minimal changes to the apartment, said to be a "fraction of the size" of the five-bedroom, five-reception room suite that their neighbours Prince and Princess Michael of Kent live in, with close sources spilling, "They consider their rented farmhouse on the island of Anglesey as their main home."
Summer with the Queen
This summer, Kate will face the biggest test of her royal composure so far, with a stay at Balmoral, the Queen's Scottish estate, where she holidays each year.
With a full-on itinerary lined up, which will include picnics, movie nights, BBQs, bracing walks across the moors and attending the Scottish Highland Games, pals say outdoorsy Kate will be in her element and that the visit is a chance for the Queen to "get to know her better".
"This is quite an important visit for Kate because, believe it or not, the Queen does not really know her very well at all," said editor of Majesty magazine, Ingrid Seward. Adding, "It is an important visit in many ways - not least because the Queen will want Kate to meet all the staff. One day she will be responsible for them."
Said to be William's favourite place to visit, he and Kate will stay in Balmoral castle, but will also be allowed a few days' privacy at Tam-na-Ghar cottage on the estate.
"Balmoral can be an ordeal for Royal brides," said Seward. "Diana ended up hating it… You've got to like yomping across the heather... But Kate knows Scotland and is a big walker and outdoor girl."
[/img][/COLOR]
