Kate Middleton will celebrate her 30^th birthday on Monday. Despite rumors that Pippa would throw a campy bash in her sister's honor, the duchess will mark her 30^th birthday with a "low-key and private" affair.

Palace officials stated that the Duchess of Cambridge's birthday celebration will be a "low-key and private," according to The Associated Press. This is in stark contrast to press reports claiming Middleton would celebrate with an '80s-themed fete, complete with cocktails and karaoke.

An intimate celebration is probably the most appropriate choice. Middleton is not only marking a milestone, but she is also in training to be queen one day.

"She's done very well, playing a very good supporting role to Prince William and complementing him as part of a team," commentator Robert Jobson said of her first months as a royal. "We've not seen much of her, but when she's in public she has performed with aplomb," added Jobson, who wrote "William and Kate: The Love Story."

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It is now up to Kate to quietly settle down and observe her royal duties. These include assisting Queen Elizabeth II in celebrating her Diamond Jubilee and playing a supporting role at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Without a doubt, 2011 was Kate Middleton's year. Here every move was documented from the moment she and Prince William said "I do" in April. Since then, she has become an international icon, renowned for her grace, charm and style.

She does not bask in the limelight. Instead, she and William prefer a "quieter life" in a remote corner of North Wales.

According to previous reports in Grazia magazine, Prince Harry and Pippa were planning a "secretly arranged" party for the duchess. Kate was also reportedly set to attend the London premiere of Steven Spielberg's "War Horse" at Odeon Leicester Square on Sunday evening.

Grazia's royal source said, "In many ways, this is going to be Kate's last chance to let go like she did back in the old days when she and William first met." Alas, such boisterous revelry will likely not take place.  

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