look who's 30

Talk about capping off your 20s in a triumphant fashion!  Kate Middleton didn't simply manage her transition into the royal spotlight, she embraced it with twinkling eyes, a toothy grin and a light step; an exuberant gust of fresh air that blew the cobwebs off the monarchy.  To get the full effect of the Duchess of Cambridge's charm check out the Stuff Kate Middleton is Thrilled About slide show from her Canadian tour.  Adorable.

Get ready to see the birthday girl in a different role in the year ahead. Days before her birthday St. James Palace announced that she is becoming patron of four organizations: Action on Addiction, the National Portrait Gallery,  East Anglia's Children's Hospices and The Art Room, an organization that uses art therapy to help children.  And the former Brownie will also become a volunteer with the Scouts joining privately in activities in North Wales.  No word yet on whether the Scout uniforms include a hat...
 

It's hard to say what I love most about this photo from the London premiere of War Horse on the eve of her birthday:  that amazing gown or Wills holding the umbrella.