Kate Middleton Is “Nervous but Excited” About Being the Future Queen of England

Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton always dazzles at events, but at a Kensington Palace gala on Tuesday, Nov. 7, the 35-year-old had even more sparkle than usual. The reason? She was wearing jewels from Queen Elizabeth‘s personal collection, including diamond earrings and a diamond bracelet last seen on her majesty in 2010. The queen is entrusting Kate with far more than her jewelry, though. Life & Style has learned that Prince William, 35, and Kate have been named the next king and queen of England by his grandmother.

“Kate is nervous about being the next queen of England, especially because balancing family and royal life is so important to her. But she’s excited about what the future holds,” a friend of the couple recently revealed. Though the pregnant mom-of-two — Kate and William are set to welcome baby No. 3 in April 2018! — has been increasing her royal work in past months, Kate’s “top priority is to her family.”

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“Kate will not allow royal engagements to impact the close relationship she has with her children,” royal expert James McCourt told Closer Weekly in an exclusive interview. Sources have claimed that if she ever had to choose between being there for her kids over attending an event, she will most definitely put motherhood above the monarchy for the sake of Prince George, 4, and Princess Charlotte, 2.

“She’s so relatable to modern mothers. She’s approachable and natural — a ‘no-frills’ mom who puts her family first and wants the best for her children,” Paul Burrell, Princess Diana’s former butler, told Closer. In fact, Kate has been taking parenting cues from her husband’s late mother, Diana. “Kate owes a great debt to the woman whom she never met, her mother-in-law. Kate’s been inspired by her embracing and natural approach to life,” Burrell told Closer in another interview.

“Kate has ensured that her children are protected and have as near to a normal life as possible,” Burrell continued. Another insider similarly revealed, “She wants her kids to mix with other children from all backgrounds and not just have a life of privilege.” Luckily, Kate’s handsome husband, William, is a loving and supportive partner. “They’re such a good team. As parents, they discuss every aspect of their children’s upbringing together,” Burrell noted. “They are equal partners… It’s obvious William and Kate adore each other, and the strength that comes from that will see them through any situation.”

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