Kate Middleton's a 'natural introvert' and finds high-profile role 'challenging'

Kate Middleton's introverted personality has made her high-profile status feel 'challenging', a close friend has revealed. 

• Kate Middleton isn't naturally 'extroverted' but is 'growing' into her role as future Queen, a royal insider has revealed. 
• The Duchess of Cambridge has to constantly work on her confidence, especially when it comes to public speaking, according to sources. 
• In other royal news, Prince Harry would 'pull a face' in response to how Prince Andrew would speak to royal staff.
  

The Duchess of Cambridge may appear effortlessly confidant in her role as a future royal consort, but the spotlight has never felt natural for the 'introverted' arts graduate. 

With just days to go until her 40th birthday, Kate Middleton's fans are looking back at her incredible decade as one of the Royal Family's most recognizable members. 

The Duchess has accomplished multiple goals since marrying Prince William in 2011, building an impressive resumé of both philanthropic and artistic endeavors under her prestigious title. 

From establishing her Early Childhood Education foundation to launching her Hold Still photography book, the mother-of-three has proven herself to be a multidimensional individual—even in the midst of a global pandemic. 

She's also developed a solid reputation as quite the style icon, with Kate Middleton's dresses regularly piquing the interest of royal fashion followers. Whether it's a gold sparkling James Bond gown or a puffer jacket for less than $70, it seems there's no garment the former accessories buyer can't rock. 

However, not everything comes so easily to Kate. While the Duchess is undeniably talented in multiple areas, it appears there's one skill she has to consistently work on —confidence. 

According to royal insiders, the Queen-to-be isn't always comfortable networking with high-profile people or delivering speeches to large crowds. The Berkshire native is regularly expected to attend events with world leaders, A-list celebrities, and industry bigwigs—a part of the job that remains slightly difficult for her. 

"She still finds it quite challenging to mix with those sorts of players," a source told Hello! magazine. "She's a natural introvert. But she's really growing into the role."

"She's not a put yourself out there, extroverted type of person, it's just not who she is. But she knows it's an important way for her to make a positive contribution and there are some times that you need to get out there and speak for things you believe in."

Despite having an "understated presence", Kate is far from a wallflower. She is described as being "very focused" when it comes to her projects, bringing a "creative mind" to all of her meetings. 

"She's all over all the detail and very much part of the team. It's really exciting working with someone like that. It's not what you expect from a future Queen." 

With her three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, becoming more independent, Kate has also enjoyed more freedom to explore her own passion outside of motherhood. 

"She's very self-deprecating and funny too," the source added. "She's had a bit more time in the last couple of years with the kids getting a bit older. She gets a lot out of it."