Royal Couple: Prince William's Wife Kate Middleton to Speak More in Public, Travel to India

The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, who is quickly becoming known as a fashion icon, will speak more often in public and independent of husband, His Royal Highness Prince William, according in to the Express. The publication reports this an opportunity for the newest royal to "step out of William's shadow to take her own charity work to the next level," says a royal insider. MStars News recently reported on the Duchess' most recent fashion looks.

Unfortunately, the British media hasn't seemed to move beyond the topic of style, as it relates to Kate. They have speculated that the 33-year-old Princess has suffered from nervousness and reports, "On the few times she has given a speech her words have seemed a little stilted."

A source came to her defense and explained, "The Duchess hasn't given that many speeches and when she has, she felt the pressure as a newer member of the Royal Family in the spotlight. That has sometimes unfairly led to suggestions that she doesn't have much to say. In fact the opposite is true." And interestingly, added, "The tone of some of the reporting of the Duchess has not always chimed with the woman she really is. She is highly intelligent, well-briefed and does her research, including reading scientific papers. She is very engaged with all the issues concerning young people and is at the heart of a great many conversations behind palace gates."

Perhaps the pressure hasn't been all bad, since maybe Kate has decided to become more vocal, since the "well-placed source" said, "When it comes to charities, the Duchess has always read up but now she feels it is time to speak up too. We have already seen her leading the conversation about children's mental health and she has taken great confidence from that. And added, "This is all coming from the Duchess. She is going to be making more speeches and we will be hearing the voice coming through on a lot more royal engagements from now on."

This will be perfect timing for the House of Windsor, since Kensington Palace recently announced that Middleton and Prince William will embark on a trip to India, 24 years after Prince Charles and Princess Diana's historical visit. The late Princess sat for one of the most published photos in front of the Taj Mahal, without the Prince.

The Palace's statement revealed, "Their Royal Highness The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit India in the spring of 2016. The visit is being undertaken at the request of Her Majesty's Government and will be the first time The Duke and Duchess have visited the country. Full details will be confirmed early next year." The details were short and strategic as the announcement came while Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, was in the U.K., reports the Daily Mail.

With that said, let's translate in layman's terms. When Queen Elizabeth speaks, everyone listens, especially future heirs. Her Majesty is truly the ruler!

Exciting news! Prince William & Kate will make their first visit to India in the spring of 2016. Details will be announced early next year.

— British Royals (@britishroyals) November 13, 2015