Duchess of Cambridge, the reliable royal, turns 40

Congratulations Princess . . . .

Happy Birthday Duchess Kate. You are an exceptional woman!

The fuss about the so-called royals, has always seemed silly to me.

Apologies to those who adore their so-called royals and others born to extreme wealth, especially wealth that originated from some long dead ancestor who was able to lead his peasants to victories in battles where thousands were butchered. But as someone who thinks kings, queens, princes, princesses and other titled people make for sometimes good costume dramas and cartoons, I think their roles in modern life have gone long beyond what should have been their pull dates. Still happy birthday Ms Kate.

The Duchess of Cambridge, who turns 40

Gracefully , I must add.

Not a fan of Royal titles but Kate radiates a sense of quiet decency that few people can.

Wow. She doesn't look a day over 39.

Kate looks absolutely beautiful for 40.

She seems very nice. Happy birthday!

Monarchy!?!? This is the 21st century.

Monarchy!?!? This is the 21st century.

I have always been in favour of the outright abolition of the UK monarchy ( no pruning -uproot the whole thing ) but it has been pointed out that having a monarchy doesn’t mean that a country can’t have a 21st century outlook. Some of the most progressive societies in the world - Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands have monarchies.

Still, I’m pretty sure these countries wouldn’t collapse into theocracies or knuckle-dragging conservatism if they abolished their monarchies.

I’ve always found Kate Windsor a bit grating. The forced cut glass accent sounds like an actress who’s been to elocution classes. The Queen’s plummy accent does at least sound like her natural way of speaking.

Happy birthday. All the best.

Women with very thin lips (late Kate's) look unattractive and a bit hard to me.