Starpulse: Less than a year since Kate Middleton became the Duchess of Cambridge, she's winning hearts – and heartfelt admiration – as she steps confidently out into the royal spotlight for the first time withoutPrince William's steady guidance. In this week's issue of PEOPLE, Kate makes her first solo royal appearances, where she charms and impresses, proving to be a bright new jewel in the royal crown. The warm smile; the quick laugh; the steady, connected gaze – this commoner turned princess is showing that she's better than good at her job. While William serves a six-week stint with the Royal Air Force search-and-rescue helicopter crew in the Falkland Islands, Kate has made six solo appearances in two weeks, including attending the opening of a Lucian Freud exhibit in London, visiting an alcohol-free bar (where she talked to recovering addicts), a children's hospital in Liverpool, and an art program for kids with special needs at a school in Oxford. Everywhere she goes she wins rave reviews for the seamless ease with which she has embraced her regal role. "She is genuine," says a Palace source, "both in private and in public."Click Here To Read Full Story At Starpulse
