As a future queen consort [1], the Duchess of Cambridge took her first few years as a member of the royal family pretty slowly. Her choice of words [2], actions, patronages, and clothing were all careful, low-key, and much contemplated [3]. However, now that she has found her feet [4] and is very much forging her own path [5], more and more of the duchess's personality is shining through, and we can't wait to see what more she has in store for 2018!
By Spearheading the Heads Together Campaign
Kate has been a part of the royal family for almost eight years now and has been steadily forging a path for herself [6] that will be the main area of concern during her life as a senior member of the family. The duchess believes that early intervention, family support, and openness about mental health issues are the keys to happier and healthier people, and so she has been making it her mission to focus on these areas.
Since 2016, Kate, William, and Harry have championed the Heads Together campaign, encouraging people to be open about their mental health issues. In 2017, with the release of a video of the royal trio discussing the Heads Together campaign [7], it was revealed that Kate is the one who came up with the idea in the first place.
When She Shared Gossip About Her Mum
In the past, Kate has been cautious and measured in her interviews and public exchanges, but when she was interviewed for the BBC TV show [8] Sue Barker: Our Wimbledon earlier this year, tennis-mad Kate revealed that her mum, Carole Middleton, has a crush on tennis superstar Roger Federer. She laughed: "Roger is my mother's heartthrob. I don't think she will mind me saying that! I think he probably knows that too." Kate was on a roll and also recounted an embarrassing incident with her dad, Michael: "My father is not going to appreciate this but we were walking past Tim Henman and we had just seen Sampras play. My dad said very coolly, 'Hi Pete.' I was mortified!"
When She Cut a Rug With Paddington Bear
When Kate was starting out in her royal role, she was careful to come across as proper and considered, but over the years, she has become more and more relaxed — to the point where, when Paddington Bear offered her a twirl [9] at the Paddington 2 film premiere in October, Kate got stuck in with gusto.
When She Hit the (Off) Road
Kate often drives herself around, but things were cranked up a notch when she took on some off-road terrain during a a visit to the Land Rover manufacturing plant [10] in November.
When She Showed Off Her Pool Skills
When Kate was put on the spot during a UK engagement in February, instead of standing back and passing on the opportunity to play, she picked up a cue and showed off her pool-playing skills [11].
When She Revealed Her and William's Takeaway Habits
During an interview with BBC Radio 1 in the Summer, William and Kate revealed quite a lot of personal information [12] about their home life. Kate has been more open than ever this year and even revealed that the last band they saw play was Coldplay, that they order takeaway curries, and that she doesn't mind whether she's called Catherine, Kate, or even Cath [13].
And Enjoyed a Beer With the Boys
During a stop at the St. Patrick's Day parade in West London, Kate sipped a glass of Guinness [14] and chatted with soldiers at the Cavalry Barracks.
By Switching Up Her Style
Although the duchess is known for her bouncy blowdries, nude hosiery, and appropriate daytime formal dresses [15], she has become increasingly keen on throwing a style curveball when it comes to her working wardrobe — and never more so than in 2017 [16]. Whether she was wearing big-name designers for the first time — such as Chanel, Gucci, Prada, and Marchesa — experimenting with new silhouettes and styles, rocking a coloured nail polish for the first time, or getting her superlong locks chopped off [17], 2017 Kate was all about taking more fashion risks. And they paid off!
By Giving a Glimpse of Her Artistic Flair
We know that Kate studied art history at St. Andrews University [18], and we know that her photographic handiwork has been made public thanks to her snaps of Prince George and Princess Charlotte, but in 2017, Kate added another creative string to her bow when it was revealed she had drawn the sketch of the church her sister, Pippa Middleton, got married [19] in, and it was included on the order of service at her wedding.