Queen Elizabeth II knew that she would leave a lasting legacy when her 70-year reign came to an end, but she saw a bright future for the monarchy. Queen Elizabeth recognized early on that Princess Kate “would be a huge support to William when he assumed the throne,” and never doubted how well-suited she was to the role. Princess Kate and Queen Elizabeth shared a close bond. Although Princess Kate is “very patriotic in that sense,” Queen Elizabeth II recognized that “she comes from a very different place.” While she is preparing for her own role as future Queen, Princess Kate is also shaping the next generation of royals to follow in her footsteps.