I was in Paris with family members and helping my college chum, Anita Yasuda, celebrate the publication of her latest book, Hello Kitty Forever when the Kate Middleton saga began to hit the paparazzi lens. Anita told me people want to read an article that addresses the issues beyond the surface.

And so I present: A guide to successfully turning a girlfriend into a princess.

This is based on recent trends I've noticed as a royal watcher of long standing. I will draw upon the examples of those young women who made it to Princess and those who did not. With Crown Prince Felipe de Borbon of Spain, there is an example of each!

Firstly, let's examine one girlfriend who made it to princess-hood and one where the retreat to normality ultimately showed her grace and class.

These days there is no dash to the altar. With the very public 'failures to launch' of Lady Diana Spencer and Sarah Ferguson, royal houses are now taking the wait-and-see approach to adding new members.

This is illustrated most recently by the Royal House in Luxembourg.

Despite falling pregnant, Tessy Anthony was not compelled to marry Prince Louis of Luxembourg. They did marry in 2006 as young parents, but he had to renounce his rights and she and the son were denied royal status.

Another significant new practice sees the move away from endorsing a 'work in progress': the young naïve girl who can be shaped. That far from charming practice which has had its day.

Betting on an unknown (The Apprentice: Royal Edition?) is a high risk proposition with paparazzi and 24/7 internet coverage in which anyone can offer frequently cruel or damning feedback, a la Simon Cowell.