Is it really that hard? Kate Middleton is to receive lessons in how to be a princess

Kate Middleton is to receive lessons on how to represent her Queen and country, as she prepares for her royal wedding in April.



It turns out that being a princess is slightly more complicated than picking pretty dresses and learning how to do the royal wave.



Prince William’s fiancée will be mentored by Sir David Manning, one of the UK’s top diplomats, on matters ranging from foreign affairs to the protocol attached to being the wife of the future king.

Happy couple: Prince William's fiancee, Kate Middleton, is having lessons in foreign affairs and protocol ahead of the Royal Wedding in April

Sir David was appointed as an advisor to Princes William and Harry in 2009 so is already well-rehearsed in matters relating to charity work, official functions and how to find the back door at Boujis.



Before his royal appointment, the diplomat was then-prime minister Tony Blair's key aide on foreign policy in the run-up to the 2003 Iraq war.



He was then Britain's ambassador to America for four years until 2007.

The Queen received similar mentoring, from an experienced general, shortly before she ascended to the throne.

Royal aide: Top diplomat Sir David Manning, will be mentoring the future princess

The princes have also been well-trained in how to deal with the public and the media.

Being a royal-to-be has already become a full-time job for 29-year-old Kate.



She gave up her project managing role in her parents' mail order company, Party Pieces, over Christmas to concentrate on her future.



She has probably been preparing for her new role ever since her relationship with the prince got serious about eight years ago, but has stepped-up ‘learning the ropes’ since the couple’s engagement was announced in November.



In December the couple attended a private charity fundraising event in Norfolk where Kate got her first taste of officially meeting and greeting people with the prince by her side.



A St James's Palace spokesman said: ‘Prince William's private office will organise a series of private meetings with key individuals - including senior members of the Royal Household, key advisers to Prince William and Prince Harry and representatives from some of Prince William's charities and other affiliations - for Miss Middleton to meet both before and after the marriage.’



