Although many people thought Meghan Markle was going to change the royal family, Queen Elizabeth believes Kate Middleton was the perfect addition to the monarchy. After Prince William married Kate in 2011, the media became obsessed with the Duchess of Cambridge.

While fans were charmed by her fashion sense and beauty, Queen Elizabeth came to admire Kate after observing her dedication to the royal family, and her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

A source told Vanity Fair that the monarch has been impressed with the way Kate has balanced her personal and professional life. “The Queen is a fan,” the insider said.

“Kate is unflappable. Her mantra is very like the queen’s keep calm and carry on approach in life, and she has the added benefit of making the royal family seem almost normal and in touch,” the source explained.

Royal biographer, Claudia Joseph noted that Kate has achieved many accomplishments over the past year. “It feels very much like this has been Kate’s year,” the author said.

“She looks happy, in control, and there’s a new confidence about her. I think Kate seems much happier than a year ago. She has three lovely children, has been honored by the Queen for her hard work and is really well-liked not just here, but around the world.”

Joseph believes Kate’s down to earth personality has helped her win over the public and the royal family. “She’s very much the girl next door, from how she dresses to how she behaves and interacts with people on engagements,” Joseph revealed.

“She is likable and relatable, and that has made her very popular,” she added.

However, Kate isn’t the only star in the family. She and Prince William earned a plethora of praise and admiration following their tour of Pakistan, which marked the first royal visit in 13 years. Next, the couple is expected to attend events in honor of Remembrance day over the weekend.

Queen Elizabeth II and Kate Middleton
Queen Elizabeth II and Kate Middleton arrive to visit Kings College, to open Bush House in central London on March 19, 2019. Getty Images/Niklas Halle’n