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How Duchess Kate Is Learning to Be a Royal

Kate Middleton

Curtseying 101? Fundamentals of Fascinators?

According to the Daily Mail, Duchess Kate is set to undergo a royal education — with "private tutorials" with senior civic leaders in to help train and prepare the common-born future Queen of England for her many public duties.

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"The story is broadly accurate," a Palace source confirms to Us Weekly, although talk of private lessons "is probably going to far."

Prince William's wife, 29, has performed just one official engagement since her April 29 wedding — visiting riot-torn areas of Birmingham in August. But her royal schedule is set to ramp up in 2012, and Kate is expected to select her official charities of choice.

Related: PHOTOS: Kate's stunning looks on her North American tour

"The Duchess is being briefed on how the state works, getting to know our national institutions better and learning more about organizations such as the arts, the media and the government," the Daily Mail reported.

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"Most of [Kate's training] is on the job, through engagements, and from her husband and his family," explains the Palace source to Us. "What The Duchess is doing now is using time to get to know institutions and charities so she can determine a path for her to follow when she begins public work."

Related: PHOTOS: How Kate got ready for the wedding

Next Monday, Kate and William, 29, will open the new Oak Centre for Children and Young People at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, Surrey. The children's unit specializes in cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education.

William will unveil a plaque to officially open the center before he and Kate meet hospital staff, key donors and fundraisers.

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