As William’s bride-to-be prepares for her wedding, her Aussie namesakes are also enjoying fame.

“I’m getting a real taste of royal life… and I love it!” quips Kate, 39, who, like Prince William’s fiancée, is actually named Catherine. “And I’m not even queen yet!”

Life has become a lot more exciting for the mum-of-three – and her five-year-old daughter, who is also called Kate – since the royal engagement was announced. “I’m used to getting up in the morning to make breakfast, but now my husband surprises me with eggs and bacon in bed!” laughs Kate, a PE and dance teacher.

“I also get newfound respect from some other teachers, who have taken to bowing as I enter the staff room and referring to me as ‘Ma’am’. Only a few months back no-one made the connection but they do now. Making it even more special is that my maiden name was Smith – there’s nothing more common than that!”

As big and little Kate happily tuck into cucumber sandwiches, scones and delicate strawberry cakes at high tea, they look like true princesses-in-waiting. “My daughter’s popularity at school has suddenly increased, and like a true princess she can be demanding and changes her clothes two or three times a day!” reports her mum. “She’s also bossing around her older brothers, Nicholas [9] and Daniel [7].”