As Princess Kate confidently led her husband, Prince William, and their children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, into Westminster Abbey for her third annual Christmas carol concert, it was her time to shine. Already seated in the Abbey were her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, sister Pippa and extended members of the royal family, who all showed their support for the Princess of Wales on her big night. The absence of King Charles and Queen Camilla signaled that this was Kate’s crowning moment, as she and William were the most senior royals in attendance. “She is carving out a special place for herself, which is celebratory,” says royal family biographer Sally Bedell Smith.
After just over a year as Princess of Wales, Kate has emerged…