Kate Middleton does a wonderful job of being approachable. Despite being a member of the royal family, Kate doesn't give off the air of a stiff regality. Rather, she seems like the kind of mom and wife whom you might make friends with at the market or the park. Kate's very hands-on with her kids while still making time for all the charities she's the royal patron of.
While everyone loves how friendly and wonderful Kate is, it's nice to see her get her royal glam on, too. Kate looks breathtaking at formal events, and people love to see her sport a tiara. It's a subtle reminder of what's to come for the monarchy. We have no doubt that William and Kate will make an excellent king and queen one day. In the meantime, we have events like the Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace where we can see Kate at her regal best.
The Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace is one of the great events of the year. The annual event sees over 1,000 guests, including ambassadors, high commissioners, and government officials. For the last six years, Kate Middleton has attended the event on the arm of Prince William.
For this year's celebration, Kate stepped out in her favorite tiara, the Lover’s Knot, or Cambridge Lover’s Knot. The century-old headpiece was originally commissioned from the jeweler Garrard by Queen Mary in 1913 or 1914. The tiara is extra special because it was also a favorite of Princess Diana's.
It's a replica of a tiara owned by Queen Mary’s grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse. Kate looks absolutely radiant every time she wears it. This year's event was no exception. Kate wore the tiara with her hair swept up into an elegant updo.
Kate switched up her look from her usual pastel or neutral gowns. She wore a navy velvet gown with long sleeves by Alexander McQueen. The designer also made Kate's wedding dress, making the relationship especially significant.
Kate also wore a sash and some medals that are very significant. The red, blue, and white sash she wore signifies her position as a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. It's the highest-ranking of chivalry that gets personally awarded by the Queen to those in her service.
Kate was awarded the sash on her and Prince William's eighth wedding anniversary. She was first seen wearing it at a state banquet in Buckingham Palace in June. The sash also features a Maltese cross, which represents the order.
The honor puts Kate in great company. Prince Andrew and Prince Edward are also Knights Grand Cross. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, are also Grand Dames. Princess Anne was appointed Grand Master of the Order following the death of the Queen Mother in 2002.
The yellow badge Kate is wearing also signifies that she's been given the Royal Family Order. The badge features a portrait of the Queen in its center. Kate was first seen wearing the badge in October 2018.
IB Times reports that Queen Elizabeth and Kate enjoy a "very easy relationship." It took a while for them to get to that point, however. There was never an issue between the two. Rather, it was because they're both shy.
"Both women are actually quite shy so it’s taken time for them to get to this stage, but they have a very easy relationship now they’ve both made the effort," royal commentator Katie Nicholl told OK! Magazine.
Like any great-grandmother, she loves hearing updates on the kids. "The Queen loves seeing Kate because it's an opportunity to spend time with her and hear how her great-grandchildren are doing."
The Queen also appreciates that Kate is from a family that is as close with each other as the royal family is. You can tell that's true by the story of the first Christmas gift she gave the Queen.
"I was worried what to give the Queen as her Christmas present. I was thinking, 'Gosh, what should I give her?' I thought back to what would I give my own grandparents," Kate told ITV in a documentary for Her Majesty's 90th birthday.
"And I thought, 'I’ll make her something.' Which could have gone horribly wrong," Kate continued. "But I decided to make my granny’s recipe of chutney." Luckily, Kate's instincts were spot on, and the treat was a hit.
"I was slightly worried about it, but I noticed the next day that it was on the table," she revealed. "I think such a simple gesture went such a long way for me. I’ve noticed since she’s done that on lots of occasions and I think it just shows her thoughtfulness, really, and her care in looking after everybody."
Kate's bond with Queen Elizabeth surely means a lot to Prince William. The two may be on the road to the monarchy, but they're in no rush for that journey. They're savoring every moment with Queen Elizabeth, as a grandmother, great-grandmother, and monarch.
