Kate Middleton praised as 'courageous' by Angela Levin

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The Queen has publicly demonstrated her firm confidence in Kate throughout the years, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams noted. He told Express.co.uk: “Catherine already has the Royal Family Order and is a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.

“The Queen has complete confidence in her.”

The Royal Family Order is a decoration given by the head of state at their own discretion only to female members of their family as a reward for their service.

Its badge can be worn during official state occasions and consists of a portrait of the sovereign who awarded it set in diamonds.

It is suspended from a ribbon, the colour of which changes with each reign in the UK.

As it was awarded her by the Queen, Kate’s ribbon is yellow.

A total of 15 people have received this honour – including the Queen Mother, the Queen’s cousin Princess Alexandra and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Kate was handed hers in 2017.

Much like Camilla, Kate was also made by the Queen a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order – the highest honour Her Majesty can bestow.

The Queen made the appointment in April 2019, as the Cambridges were celebrating their eighth wedding anniversary.

Kate, who officially joined the Royal Family in April 2011 upon marrying Prince William, hasn’t only gained the trust of the Queen over the past decade but has become a pivotal member of the Firm.

After researching and working behind the scenes on areas of interest, the Duchess stepped under the spotlight and has launched important solo projects over the past few months, set to be the focus of her work for years to come.

The most important is the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which has the ambitious long-term goal to “drive awareness of and action on the extraordinary impact of the early years, in order to transform society for generations to come”.

As previously reported, Mr Fitzwilliams noted Kate has grown into her role of Duchess and is preparing for the next steps.

He told Express.co.uk: “There is no question that Catherine is extremely confident and thriving.

“It has been a period where she has been active in her charitable roles, such as her launching of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, a field she has made her speciality.

“Her interest in photography led to her Hold Still Photography Project, a portrait of the nation during the pandemic which was an excellent idea.

“When she played the piano at the Carol Concert at Westminster Abbey which she hosted, she delighted her audience and viewers on ITV too.

“Also, she has worn several iconic outfits in the past year.

“She is perfection in her role, which in time will be Princess of Wales and one day will be Queen Consort.

“She and William work together wonderfully well as a team.”

Mr Fitzwilliams also believes the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are among the most sought after working members of the Royal Family.

He said: “An exciting year, when hopefully trips abroad can be arranged as the Cambridges are the royals most in demand, beckons.”

The Duchess will likely play a prominent role alongside her husband during 2022, when members of the Royal Family are expected to travel across the country to carry out events marking the Queen’s historic Platinum Jubilee.

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