Mantel very cleverly writes about the media image of the Duchess and provides soundbites which will linger in the press...Cameron has jumped on the bandwagon of popularity (is anyone taken in?)...but I find the whole thing points to a depressing trend in modern British society - that its still considered by most that a young woman should have no greater wish in life than to be "saved" and married by a prince, and that its ok and indeed commendable to spend most of her life carefully avoiding doing anything that might jeapordise that chance of marriage.
Kate Middleton has had many advantages in life - she is healthy, athletic and reasonably clever, she came from a secure wealthy background, was expensively educated and equipped with the social skills to move in even more wealthy circles. I have no doubt that she and William are a true love match, but I cannot admire the woman. If she had displayed one bit of talent and achievement in any field, whether it be work, sport, the arts, whatever, before getting married and setlling down to be the royal broodmare, I would feel otherwise.
Compare her to Zara Phillips - again born into many advantages but an Olympic, World and European medallist in a sport nonethless. (yes its generally regarded an elitist sport, but most eventers come from similarly or even wealthier backgrounds). At least she has not sat around, plotting her path through the echolons of society, based on not making any mistakes.
I think Kate is a terrible role model - its such a waste of a life to encourage women that all they should aim for in life is staying quiet and in the background in order to fit in. And there are too many men who feel threatened by the real achievements of women - David Cameron being one example. Hilary Mantel, for all her faults, has achieved far more of note and real merit than Kate will probably ever do.