Kate Middleton's 42nd birthday arrives amidst the aftermath of recent Sussex revelations, making it less serene.
Despite the ongoing crisis, she continues to meticulously follow the manual of the perfect queen, a guide she draws from the actions of Mary Donaldson, the imminent queen of Denmark.
As Kate navigates her role as the Princess of Wales, marked by the poignant legacy of Princess Diana, she finds inspiration in Mary Donaldson, an Australian who became a princess seven years earlier. While media often emphasizes stylistic similarities between the two, it's Mary who sets the pace, offering guidance to 'commoners' destined for queenship.
In 2023, both women faced reputation crises, with Mary handling hers more adeptly. Facing a marital crisis with Prince Frederik, she managed it with dignity and hastened her path to the throne. Kate, in contrast, confronted a severe attack from the Sussexes, particularly after being implicated as the alleged racist regarding the color of Harry and Meghan's baby.
Though Kate doesn't possess as much spotlight on her waist, she mirrors Mary's determination to secure her place in line for the crown. Recent revelations, while damaging, have strengthened her position within the royal family, aligning her with King Charles III. This complicity, seen in their public appearances and King Charles's affectionate references, echoes the principles laid out in the manual of the perfect commoner queen, inspired by Mary Donaldson's journey.
Mary, arriving in the Danish royal family with little royal credit, transformed from an ordinary Australian to the epitome of a perfect princess consort. Her commitment to perfection, such as the profound genuflection in royal greetings, impressed Queen Margaret and solidified her trust. Kate, despite her wealthy background, shares a similar pursuit of perfection, perhaps influenced by the lack of titles in her family. Copying Mary's stylistic updates, Kate's fashion choices closely resemble her Australian counterpart.
The striking resemblance between the two princesses extends beyond fashion choices, as observed by Karl Lagerfeld, who once noted, "Kate looks like Mary's little sister." Examples of Kate emulating Mary's style include wearing a Beulah dress in pastel pink at Wimbledon 2020, reminiscent of Mary's cream-colored dress in 2019. In 2022, both princesses celebrated milestone birthdays with Kate echoing Mary's choice of a Jenny Packham pink beaded dress for her own celebration.
In the intricate world of royalty, where every gesture and style choice is scrutinized, Kate Middleton finds inspiration and guidance in the footsteps of Mary Donaldson, shaping her own narrative as she navigates the challenges of royal life."
