Catherine Elizabeth "Kate" Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, wife of Prince William, emblem of quiet classiness and global style icon, is 30 years old today!

Ever since she began dating William, and especially after last April's Royal Wedding, the down-to-earth beauty has become a fan favorite across the globe.

We're fans - how can you not be?

The first commoner to marry an heir to the British throne in over a century, the charitable, demure Kate Middleton embodies everything one would hope the royal family represents, and is the perfect standard-bearer for the next generation.

No wonder she's become the subject of constant pregnancy rumors. No pressure.

In addition to popularizing high-end fashion designers (Erdem Moralioglu, Sarah Burton, Daniella Issa Halleyal, Alice Temperley), but Kate has also lived up to her billing as the People's Princess in brands such as Zara, Reiss and Topshop.

She's also introduced us to Pippa Middleton, her younger sister. Thank you, Kate!

And Happy birthday again! here's a little photo gallery in honor of the Duchess: