A NEW PRINCESS OF WALES - THE TOUGHEST DECISION OF HER LIFE

The title has seen a seismic shift in the young royal mum's world

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When William, Prince of Wales, revealed in his statement last week that he was W grateful his wife Catherine had "20 years of guidance" from his grandmother, it was heavy-laden with meaning. His words seemingly confirmed long-time speculation that Kate, 40, had enjoyed private princess tutelage from the monarch as the young commoner found her feet within the firm.

Our insiders say the bond grew so close between Kate and the Queen that the young duchess "was able to confide her fears and concerns about her future role".

Recently, Kate was said to have grown increasingly nervous about becoming the Princess of Wales, given its connection to the late Princess Diana. "She worried there was no way she could live up to Diana, and she had wondered to both the Queen and William whether she should follow Camilla's lead and not use the title," a royal insider explains.