Kate Middleton knows her worth.

Many were impressed when they learned that Middleton was going out with a real-life prince. Claudia Joseph wrote in her book, “Kate: Kate Middleton: Princess in Waiting,” that she once “memorably retorted: ‘He’s so lucky to be going with me,’” while talking about Prince William dating her.

Allison Pearson, a Welsh author, shared a similar story. According to her, the second in line to the throne was expected to pick his princess from a select group of well-bred young fillies, and the hot favorites included Davina Duckworth-Chad and Isabella Amaryllis Charlotte Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe.

One time, a friend at St. Andrews reportedly told Middleton that she was lucky to be going out with Prince William. Middleton smiled and replied, “He’s lucky to have me.”

Pearson believed that Middleton’s confidence was down to her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton. Michael was a British Airways officer, while Carole was a stewardess. Middleton grew up receiving “fierce encouragement“ from her mom.

Pearson believed that Prince William and the country are actually lucky to have Middleton. Middleton is strong but not a pushover. She keeps her steps behind Prince William and doesn’t steal the spotlight from her royal husband. One source said that Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s trouble started from this issue.

“The best royal marriages are when the consort keeps her head down,” one member of the royal circle told Pearson.

Also, Middleton has made a number of firsts in the royal family. She’s the first royal bride to have a university degree and the first to have lived with her husband before marriage. She is also the first to have a mother who used to be an air hostess and the first to be raised in a house that has a street number.

In related news, royal commentator Victoria Arbiter said that the Duchess of Cambridge will be at the forefront as Queen Elizabeth II steps back a little bit further. For this reason, Prince William’s wife has to dress for the role.

According to fashion and lifestyle blogger Juliet Angus, Middleton would never follow Meghan Markle’s “wasteful” style. The Duchess of Sussex has been accused of overspending for her outfits. The blogger criticized Prince Harry’s wife for wearing Dior, Givenchy and Emilia Wickstead in one day during their trip to Ireland which was “one expensive bill to pay.”

Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton arrives to launch a new national support line at the charity Family Action on Jan. 22, 2019 in Lewisham, England.  Getty Images/Adrian Dennis