Kate Middleton, one of the Queen's favorites, and this photo is proof
The Duchess's informal greeting says a lot about Kate's status within the royal family
As we have seen before, Kate Middleton is more than ready to take her position as Queen when her husband assumes the Throne. However, while this has not yet happened, there is no doubt that the Duchess of Cambridge has earned the respect of the royal family, and she is one of Queen Elizabeth's favorites. The latest proof of this comes in the form of new images from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Earlier this week, the Queen attended the Flower Show press day to take a tour of the "Back to Nature" garden, which Kate helped design.
Kate and her husband, Prince William, personally showed the queen the garden. When Isabel arrived in the garden, she and Kate shared a moment that shows how high the status of the Duchess of Cambridge is within the Firm. As she greeted the Queen, Kate leaned down to kiss her cheek and then curtsied. You can see the photos here. It doesn't seem like a big deal, but the family kiss shows how much the Queen respects her in-laws. Furthermore, the order of the gestures indicates that Kate is considered in the inner circle as any of the Queen's blood relatives. WE RECOMMEND YOU: Meghan Markle commemorates her mother's day by giving support and donations
However, Queen Elizabeth II remains neutral within the firm and would never reveal whether or not she has a favorite. Still, royalty is known to value traits including loyalty and diligence, leading to speculation as to which members of her immediate family may treasure the most. While Kate and Camilla may seem like the queen's favorites, her trusted daughter-in-law, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, may have earned a special place in the queen's affections. Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, are both future queen consorts of the United Kingdom.
Camilla will take on the role when her husband, Prince Charles, becomes king and Kate when Prince William becomes after him. Kate and Camilla's status within the line of succession means that they often come to the fore in royal family engagements. While the Duchesses' positioning on these engagements fuels rumors that they are the favorites, Sophie Wessex, they say, is more treasured by the Queen over Camilla and Kate for a very simple reason. Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, married the Queen's youngest son, Prince Edward, in 1999 and they have NOT been divorced.
