Kate Middleton celebrates 30th birthday
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 08: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the UK premiere of War Horse at the Odeon Leicester Square on January 8, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
After spending more than a year in the spotlight, Kate Middleton chose to celebrate her 30th birthday quietly, in private, according to the Associated Press.
Middleton attended a premiere for Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse” with her husband, Prince William, dressed in an evening gown by Alice Temperley, further cementing her status as a fashion icon. However, plans for her milestone birthday were described as “low key and private” by palace officials, reported the AP.
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Middleton’s role in the royal family has not yet been clearly defined by palace officials, but she has handled the transition into the monarchy with aplomb. She has not yet spoken to the British public directly, mainly handling engagements abroad, but her elegance and ability to connect with people have won her many admirers. In 2012, Middleton will be assisting with Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 London Olympic Games.
AFP reported on the famously private princess:
Middleton, who holds the title Duchess of Cambridge, recently announced the names of four charities she had become a patron of. According to the BBC, her involvement includes honorary positions at Action on Addiction, East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, the Art Room and the National Portrait Gallery. The palace’s statement said, “The duchess has chosen to support organizations that complement the charitable work already undertaken by her husband.”
People magazine also reported that Middleton is being groomed to be named honorary colonel of the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment. The magazine quoted an aide saying, “A final decision will be made in a few weeks, but the plan to head up Diana’s regiment is advanced. Kate doesn’t want to be seen as copying Diana but she likes to pay tribute. She’d take the role very seriously indeed.”
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Prince William and Kate Middleton have lived in a remote corner of Wales since their wedding last April, which was a massive global media event.
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