‘As Kate, I can earn thousands in one day’
As the Duchess of Cambridge turns 40 this week, we meet the so-called “repli-kates” who copy her every move
I ‘was waitressing when Kate and William got engaged in 2010 and customers always said I looked like her. It was mainly the hair and eyes. They started requesting to be served by “the duchess” and taking pictures. It made me think, “Why not try and do something with this?” So I googled lookalike casting agencies – and was immediately signed up. Four days later I got my first “Kate” job – at Gatwick Airport for the 2012 London Olympics. I was clueless, but I did what the photographer suggested – and loved it.
As a single mum at the time, I didn’t believe at first that you could make a living from it. But by 2013 I was able to quit my job and make “being Kate” my full-time career.
It wasn’t just the money – crucially it meant spending more time with my children. Being self-employed gives me freedom. The wages depend on the job – sometimes it’s a 10-minute job, sometimes it’s all day. So it can be hundreds of pounds – or thousands.
There was no training, I just studied her mannerisms and voice, and practised her waving in the mirror.
I buy replica clothing from China, around £20-£150 per Kate outfit, choosing memorable ones, such as the Issa engagement dress that she’s worn several times. I have some LK Bennett clothes, but £300 is my top budget per item.
I blow-dry my own hair and have mastered the classic, natural make-up Kate prefers. But in real life I’m a jeans and sweatshirt, messy bun kind of person.
When Kate had a fringe cut, so did I – and absolutely hated it. I think she did too because it hasn’t made a comeback since.
For her pregnancies I wore a fake bump, and ate a bit more cake, it was great. Kate has an enviable figure, so it’s hard work staying in similar shape, especially without her personal trainers and palace swimming pool.
I’m only 5ft 5in whereas Kate is
5ft 9in, but with heels people don’t notice.
After 10 years I’ve got the hang of it. I work a lot with a Prince William lookalike, Simon Watkinson. We’re friends and people seem disappointed we’re not an actual couple in real life.
Waiting to be Queen
Every day I keep abreast of Kate’s movements. Just recently I watched a video of her at a function with schoolchildren – she was wearing a pink Hobbs coat. If I don’t know where her clothing is from, social media is helpful for tips because a Kate fan will always know the answer.
I’ve clocked up hundreds of appearances as Kate and travelled to Australia, Hong Kong and New York. No two days are the same. I’d never have had these experiences if it wasn’t for her.
The most bizarre job was at Madame Tussauds, standing in place of the waxwork then jumping out and scaring people!
I often get stopped for selfies and mistaken for the duchess and – scarily – I’ve been followed home once. Dealing with internet trolls was the hardest – saying they hate the royals and I don’t look like Kate – but I’ve learnt to just shrug it off.
Once, someone posted a death threat, but Facebook quickly dealt with it and the agency
I’m signed to vets clients. I’m very careful, I’d
‘Copies of her clothes cost £20 to £150 per outfit’
never jog around London in full make-up, drawing attention to myself.
As Kate turns 40 I hope she continues championing things such as mental health and child development. She’s become more confident, giving more speeches and wearing bolder colours.
I’m a year older than her and my advice to Kate is to just enjoy turning 40. The Jubilee year will be a good time for her – and me – to shine.
Hopefully, there’s longevity in this job and I’ll be Queen one day. If I ever did get to met her I’d probably just wave and say hello.
My husband Russ has known me since high school. He’s proud of me but he never comments on whether he fancies the real Kate. After work he’ll just say, “How was your day?” I’ll say, “Great” and that’s that. My kids don’t care what I do – a job is a job after all.