COMMENT: Making the best possible impression (From Oxford Mail)

COMMENT: Making the best possible impression

9:00am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in News

KATE Middleton. The Duchess of Cambridge. Or, to put it more accurately, our future Queen.

And what an extraordinary first impression she made with her visit to Oxford yesterday.

For some it is easy to criticise the role of our Royal Family in this country. For many others they are a source of much pride.

But even the most hardened republican might think again, after taking a glimpse at pictures of the Duchess and her fans in today’s paper.

For those who waited patiently to catch a glimpse of her in Rose Hill and at the Spires Academy, it was worth every effort.

The cheers, the waves, the excited ‘How-do-you-dos’, forgotten-then-remembered-curtseys and frantically fumbled camera clicks were all eclipsed by the smiles.

Big. Beaming. Unashamed. Proud.

The most ardent cynic would have been hard-pressed to remain unmoved by the Duchess’s effect on those she met.

It was a genuine connnection, expressed by both Kate and the individuals she talked to.

And, of course, this year is Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. Reason enough to celebrate.

But doubly so when you remember just who will one day wear her crown.