‘Confident’ Kate Middleton now ‘understands how to use her profile’ as duchess turns 40

On January 9, the Duchess of Cambridge will celebrate her 40th birthday, having spent over a decade as a senior member of the Firm. However, in recent years, Kate has been in her element after dazzling in a gold Jenny Packham dress at the premiere of the latest James Bond film No Time to Die and spurring royal fans into a frenzy with her impressive piano performance during her carol concert at Westminster Abbey.

Speaking to Vanity Fair’s royal editor, Katie Nicholl, a source who has worked closely with the duchess for a decade said Kate feels a lot “more confident” in her role since joining the Firm.

“There’s no way we would have seen Catherine sit down and play the piano in Westminster Abbey in front of the cameras ten years ago.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)

“She would have been too self-conscious and nervous.

“Now, she is a lot more confident in her role and she really understands how to use her profile to put the spotlight on the causes that matter to her.

“That performance wasn’t about being the star of the show, it was about putting the attention on something close to her heart.”

Reports suggested Kate intends to have a “low-key” birthday celebration this year due to the ongoing threat of the Omicron variant.

The duchess will instead “celebrate privately with her family”, sources have said.

However, according to The Mirror, Kate won’t be missing out as she could have a joint 40th birthday party with her husband Prince William in June.

According to the report, the Queen is expected to throw a party for her grandson at Windsor Castle or Sandringham for his own 40th birthday later this year.

Royal expert Ingrid Seward, told the publication she expects the Queen will play a part in helping to organise the party for William.

Ms Seward said: “The Queen is tremendously fond of enjoying such occasions and this would be no different.

“There’s a lot to look forward to in her Platinum Jubilee year, and with both William and Kate turning 40 it’s an extra excuse to celebrate.

“This is a pretty big one for the Cambridges so it should be quite the party.”

Despite Kate’s plans being put on ice, a source told the Mirror Kate was being “mindful of the current situation”.

They told The Mirror: “It’s very much a scaled-down occasion this year for the Duchess, who will celebrate privately with her family.

“Of course she is mindful of the current situation.

“She will be surrounded by loved-ones and that’s all that matters.”