After a year that saw her tested to her limits, Kate is a ‘different person’ – determined to do things her way

While the Prince of Wales will be taking the new leadership role, Kate will be needed by his side for some of the more political visits. She’s waded into this territory before, breaking royal protocols set into place by the late Queen Elizabeth II. With a modernized monarchy though, it’s hard to avoid the political arena.

The Princess of Wales will turn 43 on 9 January - and her husband Prince William looks set to take on a job he normally dislikes to make her day all the more special