Blog: William’s firm message was that the past is the past, he remembers his mother with affection but life moves on. He and Kate will carve their own future, make their own way and she doesn’t have to live up to anyone.

Despite that, comparisons are rife about how Kate will measure up to fashion plate Diana, Mother Theresa disciple Diana of the Many Good Works, elegant and very attractive Diana.

Not to mention who will make the dress for the big day – a coup waiting there for someone – and whether Kate will look as glorious as Diana as she walks down whichever aisle it finally is.

She will. But it’s as though there is just no escape for the brides of Diana’s boys and actually, that is just not fair.

As a couple, Diana and Charles were mismatched. When they married, she was much younger than Kate, Charles was older than William. They had little in common and it showed from the start. He wasn’t even sure that he loved her.

Nearly 30 years on, their son and his bride will not fall into the same trap, because trap it was. They have worked things out for themselves, given each other space, are putting plans in place for their future and William has publicly declared his loving support for Kate.

Hopefully the network inside the palace will also have learned lessons about the impossible pressure put on other young brides. As for Kate – who may soon be known as Catherine, another question mark – she will need a proper role.

She’s a bright girl, has a degree, a warm personality and could do a fine job boosting causes, charities and helping lead the Big Society.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a new look to a family which has some fine servants in its ranks, led by the Queen and including the hardest worker, The Princess Royal. But times move on, our royals have opened doors, connected much more with the public and give a priceless boost to business and tourism.

Prince William and his brother have added to that enormously, especially with their military lives where they identify with other young people also wanting to serve their country.

Both are also committed to, and passionate about, their charity work. Whatever Kate Middleton becomes the Duchess of, she needs a focus beyond being camp follower to her prince.

Bringing Diana back into the picture is inevitable but all of us who write about royal matters should remember Prince William’s quiet insistence that he and Kate will be doing it their way.

By Shirley Tart