Hilary Mantel was blasted for describing the Duchess of Cambridge as a “shop window mannequin”, so I can only imagine the backlash that writer Joan Smith will receive for calling Kate “Queen Wag”.

Oh, hai.

In the book, Smith says that “By the age of 30, the new Duchess had done little since leaving university except play a supporting role to her boyfriend, marry him with great pomp and ceremony and get pregnant.”

Smith bitingly describes Kate as “unambitious, uncontroversial and bland”, dubbing her Queen Wag – shorthand for “Wives And Girlfriends” who are usually the companions of football players. They are characterized by heavy makeup, lack of ambition other than being famous, and seem to live only for shopping and luxury. In other words, you couldn’t be more shallow if you tried. Ouch.

You can say Smith is accomplished, perhaps even ambitious. Like Hilary Mantel, she certainly can make a statement. Are her statements to be taken seriously? Some Kate fans may not think so and dismiss it all out of hand as mere jealousy. An older, republican-minded woman? Surely she cannot touch the golden duchess.

To me, you cannot dismiss these statements. However, the real upset comes when people who support the monarchy and who generally like Kate start to question her. I am one such person. As I said before, Kate is probably a nice person, but her distinct lack of work experience – but plenty of club and party experience – has given her a reputation. The Duchess must shine through all of this, rather than being just a hair and clothes girl. Especially when she is poised to become a future queen consort whose title will put her on par with educated and professional European Crown Princesses and queens. Palace, take note.

Kate, don’t let the Brits down!

What will people say to this? Will there be a series of personal attacks on Smith’s appearance, as with Mantel? What is your reaction?