Though she kept her distance from her new granddaughter-in-law during Kate Middleton and Prince William's April 29 royal wedding, Queen Elizabeth was overjoyed by the union, issuing a February 2011 Instrument of Consent to the marriage in which she described Kate as "trusty and well-beloved."

They're getting closer! The newly appointed Duchess of Cambridge stepped out at the June 13, 2011, Order of the Garter ceremony, where she looked on from the wings as the Queen made William a Knight of the Garter.

Prior to its public unveiling, Kate and Her Majesty paired up to tour Buckingham Palace's Royal Wedding Dress exhibit on July 22, 2011,intimately going over displays that featured the Duchess's Sarah Burton gown and wedding cake as well as treasures from the Royal Fabergé collection.

While preparing to take on more solo royal engagements, Kate shared a laugh with the Queen – and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall – during a March 1 appearance at a tea party marking the regeneration of London's Piccadilly neighborhood. The Queen, who did not share the same bond with William's mother, Princess Diana, has reportedly said she sees "immense potential" in Kate, according to the Daily Mail.?

The duo shared smiles and observations at a March 8 fashion show at De Montfort University, the first stop of the Diamond Jubilee tour. "They were chatting away," said Lord Waheed Alli, chancellor of the university. "They seemed very relaxed together," added Dr. Julie King, head of the School of Fashion and Textiles.