The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton has plenty to celebrate on her 31st birthday today. Let’s start with the obvious –- she's freakin’ royalty and has a little bun in the oven that is sure to get her flawless genes and keen eye for fashion.

But besides those, how about the fact that she’s the raddest (and classiest) royal that we just can’t seem to get enough of? All eyes aren’t on her waiting for her to mess up –- they’re taking notes on how to live life in general.

In honor of Kate’s 31st birthday, here are five other reasons why she’s about as cool as royals get.

1. Epic Fashion Sense

The girl knows a thing or two about what looks good on her. From the gorgeous blue dress she wore announcing her engagement to Prince William to her endless supply of outerwear (where’s her coat fashion line?), it all adds up to why she’s considered a fashion icon.

 

2. Her Scene-Stealing Sister Pippa

On that magical day on April 29th, 2011, us common folk woke up bright and early to watch a modern day fairy tale marriage before our eyes. What else did we get? A glimpse at Kate’s super-hot sis Pippa! And the rest is now history.

Related Article: Prince William and Kate Middleton: Olympic PDA Caught on Camera!

 

3. Handles Scandals Like a Pro

She’s the Duchess of Cambridge -– so she can sunbathe topless all she wants. But what happens when a sleazy photographer snaps pictures of her goodies? Kate sues the hell out of them, bans the photos and has the entire world back her on it. Ahem, take note Lindsay Lohan –- this is how you deal with a scandal.

 

4. Her Celeb Hangout Sessions

During William and Kate’s tour of North America back in the summer of 2011, they obviously had to say “What’s up” to Los Angeles -– the home of every big celebrity there is. Just some of the names that fawned over Kate? Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lopez, Tom Hanks and Nicole Kidman. Yeah, she’s kind of a big deal.

 

5. She Cuts Her Bangs & Makes Headlines Worldwide

Remember how we said people are always watching Kate for tips and tricks on how to rock at life? Well, back in November, she decided do a little something different with her locks and threw us all off with angled bangs. It made headlines everywhere. No other celebrity could make that happen!

What do you love most about Kate? Her fashion? Her celebrity friends? Her awesomeness?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below!