Happy Birthday, Kate Middleton! See Why the Queen Was Extremely Proud of Her

Today is a special day — it marks 41 years of life for Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales. And while we're sure she misses her late grandmother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, she can celebrate today with a smile, knowing the Queen was "incredibly proud" of her,

In 2021, sources close to the family said that the late monarch spoke highly of Kate to her closest aides. She felt "her work with Catherine [was] done, and she [was] all set to one day be Queen Consort to the future King William — she could do it [immediately], if she had to."

Palace insiders said that the Queen "poured everything into preparing Catherine for the road that lies ahead for her — and she proved to be an A-plus student." This came after Kate wowed at the 2021 Earthshot Prize, a climate initiative that is the brainchild of Prince William, where she made her own flawless speech and dazzled in an Alexander McQueen gown recycled from a 2011 appearance in Los Angeles. "Her Majesty thought Catherine was magnificent, and has been quite simply a wonderful addition and asset to the royal family ever since she married Wills," says a source.

Kate's climb to the top of royal popularity polls — and the Queen's affections — was a slow, and at times fraught, journey. "Before she and William were engaged, Kate copped a barrage of toxicity from within and outside of the monarchy," says a source.

"There were the sneers that she was a lazy layabout who was waiting for a ring, and the fact that she stayed silent and held her head up high earned her a lot of respect from the Queen, which only continued to grow over the years.

"As soon as Wills and Kate made things official, the Queen took Kate under her wing and slowly but surely taught her everything she knew about the job.

"Kate proved an excellent pupil, and the Queen's instinct that she was born to rule has proven right several times over since then."

A version of this article originally appeared on Now to Love.