Kate Middleton’s 6-Year Cinderella Makeover (PHOTOS)

Ever since Kate Middleton married Prince William in April, the world has become obsessed with her. Obviously, a lot of our interest and attraction comes from the fact that, eventually, she's going to be the Queen of England; but a good portion of it stems from Kate's subtle -- yet dramatic -- appearance transformation.

Before Kate became Duchess Catherine, she was a pretty girl. She was the type of woman one could pass in the hall or have a conversation with and simply think, "She's cute." But now. Now that she's royalty, she looks the part. Having a conversation with her seems laughable because, if ever given the chance, the only thing I would be able to do is marvel at her beauty.

So, what changed? It's hard to pinpoint, right? I analyzed photos of the Duchess from over the years and am fairly confident I've cracked the code. (Hint: It's not just her weight loss.)

Let's start with a old photo of Kate as a jumping-off point -- a really old photo.

This picture is from 2005. If any of us looked at a photo of ourselves from six years ago, I'm sure a lot would be different. Let's focus on Kate's style, though. (Clearly, she has lost a ton of weight.) Here, her hair is shorter and lighter. She also doesn't have (much of) her signature kohl-rimmed eyes. She also seems to have a bit of a sunburn and her teeth don't seem quite as pearly white as they currently are.

Not sure when this photo is from exactly, but it's obviously more recent than the one above. Pretty girl? Yes. Pretty princess? Eh, not so sure. Here, Kate's tresses are longer than they are in the other picture -- and longer than they are now. They're also darker than they were in the previous photo, but lighter than they are now. She basically has "college girl" hair here. It's nice. It's highlighted. It's very choppy and layered. She also seems less tan than she did before, but, again, more than she is now. Her eyebrows are also a bit bushier and more unkempt than they currently are.

Now we're talking. This photo is supposedly from last year. Crazy, right? She looks more grown-up and a little more fancy than she did in the other photos, but still, not "oh my God, I can't talk to you" pretty. Her hair is still highlighted with long, piecey layers. And she doesn't yet have her signature "Middleton" 'do.

And this is where the change really started to take shape. Her hair is darker, shorter, much more polished and shiny, and it's parted to the opposite side with small, swooping bangs. This is also obviously when Kate started to lose weight. Note her paler skin and more defined eyes, as well.

Here is where her weight loss really drastically changes her look. In addition to the lack of "baby fat" in her face, her porcelain skin, dark hair, and perfectly groomed eyebrows make her literally look like Snow White.

Her hair is a little longer, she's got her signature curl on the bottom thing going on, and as usual, her eyes and brows are perfectly defined. Also, note the simplicity of Kate's clothing (very good for taking pictures). And, I could be totally wrong here, but her forehead looks completely and totally smooth. Botox? Maybe? Just a little?

Bottom line, whatever she's doing is working. No longer does Kate look like a "cute girl" or a "college girl." She looks like a perfectly-coiffed, stunning woman, who was born to be a princess. Tell us your secrets, Kate!

How gorgeous is Kate?

Images via Splash, nothingtoomuch1/Flickr, UK_repsome/Flickr, americanistadechiapas/Flickr