How Kate Middleton is preparing herself to become Queen

Kate Middleton will one day be Queen consort, and while it will likely be a fair few years before she steps into the role it's one that she is already working hard to prepare for. Prince William is second-in-line to the throne, meaning that he will have to wait for his grandmother, the Queen, to pass the reigning title over to his father, Prince Charles, before his time on the throne is even in sight.

But when it is, and William does eventually take the crown, Kate's role will completely change.

Royal expert Rebecca Long told Us Weekly: 'Kate’s been taking on new responsibilities little by little over the last few years, so it won’t be a shock when the time comes.

'William and Kate are the favourite royals to take the crown in many generations, so the people of the UK are very excited about it.'

The Duchess of Cambridge has been subtly preparing herself for her future role over the last few years. She is now Royal Patron of 18 charities, which reflect her own hobbies and passions such as photography and the arts, like the Victoria and Albert Museum, National Portrait Gallery and The Royal Photographic Society. Kate has taken over some patronages from the Queen herself, and no longer only attends official events with William, either. She often works solo, and will continue to do so as her future role edges nearer.

She has also been vocal about the causes which mean a lot to her and is an active mental health campaigner. She co-founded the Heads Together charity and supports initiatives which seek to improve children's mental health.

Kate has definitely worked hard to ensure that she fulfils her duties as the Duchess of Cambridge, and the well-loved royal will undoubtedly make an excellent Queen consort one day, too.