The Princess of Wales is celebrating her 42nd birthday today (Tuesday, 9 January) and continues to thrive as one of the most popular members of the Royal Family.
As well as the 12 years she has been married to Prince William, Kate was afforded a slow 10 year introduction to her future while the pair were just dating.
It is this lengthy period of time which experts often say gave her the best start for life in the goldfish bowl of royal life.
While she is already undertaking key senior duties as the Princess of Wales, an even greater task to become Queen lies ahead of her.
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