While Lady Diana Spencer grew up in a noble family, she technically married not only a prince but the heir apparent as a regular English woman. Kate Middleton started from even humbler beginnings — her parents worked as a flight dispatcher and flight attendant before founding their party supply company.
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And they worked real jobs.
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Before she got engaged to Prince Charles, Diana served as a dance instructor, nanny and nursery assistant in a London kindergarten. Kate worked as an accessory buyer for a clothing store for a year after graduating from University of St Andrews.
Yes, they both received the same engagement ring, but Kate also pays homage to the people's princess by donning her iconic tiara, the Cambridge Lover's Knot. The Queen gave her daughter-in-law the famous diamond-and pearl topper in 1981, and it still turns heads today.
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Plus they pose the same way.
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When you're one of the most photographed women in the world, you quickly learn how to sit for the cameras. Both royals masted the "duchess slant:" knees and ankles together (never crossed!) with legs tilted to one side.
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Their kids come first in everything they do.
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They each have two children (although Kate's allegedly wants more!) but their families share more than just size. Both Kate and Diana recognize the importance of being a hands-on mom, whether it's traveling with their kids while performing royal duties or keeping unruly toddlers in line.
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They love to give back.
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Appearing at engagements comes with the title, but both Diana and Kate make helping others a priority. The Princess helped bring issues like landmines, HIV/AIDS and leprosy into the spotlight, while the Duchess hopes to combat the stigmatization of mental illness with her charity Heads Together.