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Marie Claire
Marie Claire
Lifestyle
Amy Mackelden

Princess Kate's "Modern" Royal Role Is Shaped by Several Small "Gestures," According to One American Countess

Princess Kate wears a green dress and has long brown hair with blonde highlights while applauding at Wimbledon 2026.

The American-born countess, Julie Montagu, the Countess of Sandwich, knows more than most about the allure of Britain's monarchy. From Chicago cheerleader to becoming a member of the British aristocracy, Montagu regularly shares unique insights on the United Kingdom's rich history and relationship with royalty. Recently, the Countess of Sandwich described the "small moments" that shape Princess Kate's "modern" relationship with the general public.

In a series of posts on X, Montagu reflected on Princess Kate's impact as a member of the Royal Family. "Another thing people often mention is her warmth," the countess explained.

Montagu continued, "But not in an overly performative way. It's not exaggerated, she's actually quite understated. A smile, a small laugh, a gentle comment. And that understated quality is actually very British."

"Another thing people often mention is her warmth," the countess explained. (Image credit: Getty Images)

The American countess elaborated on Princess Kate, explaining, "Perhaps that's why she has become such a central figure in the Royal Family. Because in a role that is built on tradition, on ceremony, and of course expectation, she brings something that feels very modern: authenticity. And that, more than anything else, is what people respond to."

"Because in a role that is built on tradition, on ceremony, and of course expectation, she brings something that feels very modern: authenticity." (Image credit: Getty Images)

In fact, it's the modernity of Princess Kate's gestures that seems to create her bold connection with royal fans, Montagu notes.

"I think this is where we begin to understand something important about her," the countess further explained. "Her role is not just about representing the monarchy, it's about shaping how people feel about it, and those small moments, those brief conversations, those gestures, they all contribute to that."

"Her role is not just about representing the monarchy, it's about shaping how people feel about it." (Image credit: Getty Images)

Basically, Princess Kate is carving out a royal role that's individual to her, and she's doing so with ease and grace.

Shop Books About Princess Kate

HQ 'Divide and Rule' William Morrow Paperbacks 'Kate: The Making of a Princess' Core Library 'Kate Middleton: Princess of Wales' New York Times Educational Publishing 'Royal Couples' Cavendish Square Publishing 'Kate Middleton' Triumph Books Entertainment 'Modern Marriage: Royal Romance' Gallery Books 'Brothers and Wives' Faithwords 'Making of a Royal Romance' Gallery Books 'William and Kate'
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