Copy Kate: Kate Middleton is cloning Angelina Jolie

Sexy, stylish, successful… it’s no wonder Angelina Jolie is the duchess’s role model.

One is Hollywood royalty. The other is a real-life member of the royal family. They’re among the most famous women in the world, and with their lush brunette locks, super-skinny figures and elegant poise, the similarities between Angelina Jolie and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, have long been striking. Now Woman’s Day can reveal the resemblance is no coincidence, with one of Kate’s close friends claiming Prince William’s wife idolises the actress, and even models her look on the Salt star.

“Kate makes no secret of how much she admires Angelina,” the mate tells us. “She thinks she’s stunningly beautiful and says she’d do anything to have Ange’s lips, cheeks and eyes. “Kate moans that no matter how hard she tries, she still ends up looking like a schoolgirl. She wishes she could be as sultry and sophisticated as Angelina. Kate simply adores her graceful, elegant style, and how she manages to make everything look so effortless.”

The royal newcomer, who turns 30 on January 9, first revealed she was a fan during planning for her and William’s visit to Hollywood last July. Asked which celebrity she most wanted to meet, Kate reportedly squealed, “Angelina Jolie!” Although Ange’s hectic schedule couldn’t accommodate the encounter, leaving Kate to “make do” with celebrities such as our own Oscar-winning Nicole Kidman and US stars Jennifer Lopez and Reese Witherspoon, the Changeling actress reportedly rang personally to apologise. Kate was said to be ecstatic when Ange promised they would meet one day.

In the meantime, the duchess paid tribute to her hero by arriving at a London charity event last November wearing a silk, one-shouldered Jenny Packham gown that, except for the colour, was identical to one worn by Ange at the Hollywood premiere of partner Brad Pitt’s film Tree Of Life. “She also had the same tumbling hairstyle,” notes Kate’s friend. “Angelina is Kate’s style icon and role model and, like any young woman, Kate is inspired by what she sees celebrities wearing on the red carpet.”