Not one hair out of place ... she’s a miracle

NOT a trace of a swollen ankle or cottage cheese knee, not a hair out of place.

As she stood on the steps of the Lindo Wing for the third time in recent years, infant cradled photogenically in her arms, the Duchess of Cambridge barely looked like she had broken a sweat, let alone delivered 8lb 7oz of bouncing baby royal just a few hours earlier.

It appeared she had even found time to slip into her signature American Tan tights and nude heel combo. Let me tell you, if anyone had come within 10ft of me brandishing a nylon gusset after the birth of either of my two, they would have received extremely short shrift, not to mention a black eye.

But the fingers that clutched the child’s blanket showed not a trace of piggy puffiness, and the signature black eyeliner had been applied with customary vigour.

If the photographs had been taken the next day, it would have been an impressive feat. But just hours afterwards seemed almost miraculous.

Talk about setting the bar high. Kate may now be the mother of three children under the age of five, but if you think she’s going to cut herself any slack, you’ve another think coming. This is what she was born to do; she’s a professional. Most women in her position would be wrapped in a dog-eared towelling robe eating Hobnobs. But not our Kate.

She takes her role as royal consort deadly seriously, and that means stepping up to the plate on occasions like this, putting her own needs firmly to one side, going that extra mile and showing the waiting crowds that she appreciates their love and support.

It’s this determination and steely commitment that has been – indeed is – gradually winning over the hearts and minds of the British public.

Because whatever criticism may be levelled at Kate, no one can deny that she takes her responsibilities as a royal very seriously. She is very respectful of her privilege and position – and she re-pays the British public by always making the best of efforts on their behalf.

If that means dragging herself and her newborn out of the labour ward for a blow-dry and photo-call, then so be it.