All hail (future) queen Kate! Duchess ‘hasn’t put a foot wrong’ as she and Prince William ‘tread a difficult path’ amid protests and anti-monarchy sentiment on their Caribbean tour, royal experts claim

• The Duchess of Cambridge is embracing her role as a queen-in-waiting
• Kate ‘hasn’t put a foot wrong’ on tour and is a ‘magnificent support’ to William
• She has been charming and ‘struck the right tone’ amid protests in Jamaica
• Royal experts noted the Duchess has become a huge ‘asset’ to the Queen 

The Duchess of Cambridge has embraced her role as a queen-in-waiting on a challenging royal tour of the Caribbean, royal experts claim. 

Kate, 40, has embodied the poise, charm and composure required of a royal consort, and has been a pillar of support for her husband Prince William as he faces difficult questions and conversations on the Royal Family’s role in its Caribbean realms. 

Royal author Robert Jobson, who is on tour with Kate and William, told FEMAIL the Duchess ‘hasn’t put a foot wrong’ and has proved she can ‘take anything in her stride’ while keeping ‘a smile on her face’. 

Phil Dampier, who has been writing about the royal family for more than 25 years, added the couple have had to ‘tread a difficult path’ but Kate is a ‘supreme diplomat’ who is an ‘asset’ to the Queen because she embodies the future of the monarchy.    

Queen-in-waiting: The Duchess of Cambridge has embodied the poise, charm and composure required of a royal consort, and has been a pillar of strength for her husband as he faces challenging questions and conversations on the Royal Family’s role in its Caribbean realms

Supportive wife: Kate beams at Prince William during a reception at the Governor General’s residence in Kingston, Jamaica, last night

Mixed reception: The Cambridges were greeted like rock stars by the Jamaican public but politicians, including prime minister Andrew Holness, used meetings to make clear in public they will push for the island to be a republic with a referendum this year. There was also a protest outside the British High Commission (pictured)

The Cambridges were greeted like rock stars by the Jamaican public but politicians, including prime minister Andrew Holness, used meetings to make clear in public they will push for the island to be a republic with a referendum this year.

There was also a protest outside the British High Commission by republicans demanding slavery reparations from Britain and the royal family.

The Duchess’ skills as a queen-in-waiting were on full display last night when she joined her husband at a black tie dinner hosted by the Governor General. 

Kate mingled with dignitaries, captivated the host’s wife and leant a supportive hand to her husband as he delivered a speech on Britain’s historic role in the slave trade, describing it as ‘abhorrent’ and a ‘stain on our history’.   

Mr Jobson observed: ‘The Duchess of Cambridge has certainly wowed the crowds on this tour, she hasn’t put a foot wrong.

‘It is very important diplomatically to show that whatever is happening the Royal couple can take it in their stride and always have a smile on their faces. 

By his side: Kate mingled with dignitaries, captivated the host’s wife and leant a supportive hand to her husband as he delivered a speech on Britain’s historic role in the slave trade, describing it as ‘abhorrent’ and a ‘stain on our history’ (pictured)

‘Her interactions are natural and warm. Her exchanges with the school children she has met have gone down very well.’

Mr Dampier agreed, saying: ‘Kate has been superb on this tour and supported William magnificently. The couple have had to tread a difficult path of making friendships but always appreciating that these countries are considering ditching the monarchy in the future, which all the royals recognise is their right.  

‘Kate has met and greeted hundreds of people, shaking hands and chatting to everyone face-to-face, and you can see the crowds warming to her. 

‘Yes, it’s a charm offensive, but I also think it’s genuine and she enjoys seeing different countries and meeting people from all walks of life.’

The royal expert pointed to Kate’s poise during one awkward moment with Jamaican politician Lisa Hanna, who appeared to turn away from the royal during their official welcoming ceremony, saying: ‘She handled it well and just got on with it.’ 

Composed: Royal author Robert Jobson, who is on tour with Kate and William, told FEMAIL the Duchess ‘hasn’t put a foot wrong’ and has proved she can ‘take anything in her stride’ while keeping ‘a smile on her face’, even when she had an awkward encounter with Jamaican politician Lisa Hanna (right)

Warm: The Duchess of Cambridge’s interactions with children have been received particularly well. Above, Kate at a teacher training college in Kingston yesterday

Her flair for diplomacy extends to her wardrobe. Kate has endeavoured to showcase local designers and has stepped out in the colours of the Jamaican and Belizean flags in a nod to her hosts. 

‘Nothing is left to chance,’ Mr Jobson explained. ‘Just as our Queen did when she was younger on the international stage, the dresses, including the colours to reflect the country she is in, and the jewellery have been perfect.’ 

Both authors noted how Kate has grown in confidence since marrying William. 

‘When she first came in to the royal family, Kate took her lead from William. But now she is a star in her own right and knows exactly the tone to take,’ Mr Jobson said. 

‘The Duchess and the Duke have both been first class International super ambassadors, excellent representatives of the Queen and have shown the monarchy is in safe hands, just as the Prince of Wales did on his visit to Barbados in 2017 and for the handover celebrations last year marking the former colony’s transition to a republic.’

Stepping into the spotlight: Both authors noted how Kate has grown in confidence since marrying William and now delivers speeches with confidence (above)

Mr Dampier noted this development will be particularly reassuring to the Queen, who is relying on the younger generations to cement the future of the monarchy. 

He added: ‘When Kate first married William she was shy and tended to garble her words, speaking very quickly and nervously, but now she seems relaxed and in control. 

‘She has matured so much in the last couple of years and the Queen must be delighted that she has turned out to be such an asset to the royal family.’

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