The courtier said: “She was practically skipping. Seeing her family full of joy but also seeing the public support and excitement touched her greatly.

She was very supportive of William and Kate leading up to the wedding and nothing could have reaffirmed more that they have the potential to achieve great things for the monarchy.”

Kate’s modesty and willingness to learn seems to have kept the Queen sweet. A source said: “She is humble and willing to learn and the Queen likes that. She has grown very fond of her and recognises the impact she is having on the public.”

The Queen has made an effort to get to know her daughter in law’s family, and even invited them to Ascot as her guests last year.