When looking at photographs of Kate Middleton, it’s easy to get caught up in the beauty and elegance. She is always dressed to perfection and there never seems to be a hair out of place.

However, there is something about the Duchess of Cambridge that you have probably overlooked hundreds of times. It is a very small detail, but a rather important one about her appearance. Even if you are one of her most loyal fans, you probably never noticed.

The Duchess has a three inch long scar facial scar and she’s had it almost her entire life. If you’ve never spotted the mark, it sits on Kate’s left temple just a bit back into her hairline. The scar rarely makes an appearance due to her love of voluminous blow drys and sleek up-dos.

It first came into the public’s eye in 2011 when she had the sides of her hair pinned back. Critics saw the scar and thought she had a bad hair extension line. A palace spokesperson was quick to step in and clear up the speculation.

The story behind how Kate earned the scar hasn’t been revealed and is considered a private matter, but the spokesperson did reveal that the scar is related to a childhood operation.

So whether the scar was due to a serious operation or something very simple we may never know. But regardless of the reason we do know that Kate is beauty and grace personified. If you agree, be sure to share this story with your family and friends.