Kudos to Kate

The Duchess of Cambridge has been criticised in the past for not being high profile enough. There have been times in Kate's royal career where questions have come from all sides about the number of engagements she is carrying out and whether that amount could be higher. But in the last few days there has been no stopping the duchess. Never mind the cold winter weather, kudos to Kate who has a real spring in her step.

The Duchess of Cambridge in Margate - one of several engagements in the last three days

(photo kmfmnews)

This time last year, the critics were out in force. By March 11th 2014, Kate had performed just three public engagements since the start of the year and there had been sizeable gaps between public appearances, This year, her profile has been growing and growing. From an appearance at the Commonwealth Day service on Monday to a super snap frenzy at Downton Abbey today via a day at the seaside, it's been wall to wall duchess this week. What a difference a year makes.

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   This ever growing rota of royal duties tells us quite a bit. Mostly, that Kate is a smart cookie. There was no knee jerk reaction, no rushing out to do things when the critics hit. Instead, her diary has filled out steadily until you can't look without seeing her.  It's a very discreet and elegant way of doing things her way. And it's worked.

The Duchess of Cambridge receives a present for Prince George from Zac Barker who plays George Crawley in Downton Abbey

(photo Kensington Palace Instagram)

There are yet more engagements planned before she heads to St Mary's for the birth of her second child and then there will be the high profile that follows that - the official photos and the christening that will keep her profile just as high before summer kicks and the pressure lessens.

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  By the time the summer holidays end and autumn starts and the school year starts again, baby number two will be five months old and the Duke of Cambridge will be settled into his new role as an Air Ambulance pilot. And Kate will have a new diary to fill with more engagements. The critics will have to stay away until then at least while a lot of good causes get a lot of support from a royal lady very much at ease in her role. Kudos to Kate.