Princess Kate is gearing up for Prince William's new role amid a Royal Family transition, according to new claims. The Princess of Wales will be approaching her 43rd birthday on January 9 with a newfound appreciation for life,

According to Kate Middleton's college roommate, Prince William paid £200 in a charity auction to win a date with her even before the 2002 fashion show that was believed to have sparked their decades-long romance.

While the Prince of Wales will be taking the new leadership role, Kate will be needed by his side for some of the more political visits. She’s waded into this territory before, breaking royal protocols set into place by the late Queen Elizabeth II. With a modernized monarchy though, it’s hard to avoid the political arena.