Queen will rely on ‘supportive’ Kate Middleton in difficult year for royal family, expert says
As Queen Elizabeth faces one of her most difficult years ever, there is one person she will be turning to for support.
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Queen Elizabeth is facing possibly her most difficult year ever. The monarch, 95, has already dealt with a series of recent challenges including the death of her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, her own ongoing health concerns while dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, her son Prince Andrew’s sex assault lawsuit, and her grandson Prince Harry’s public grievances about the royal family.
But according to royal expert Katie Nicholl, the Queen will turn to one person in particular for support in a “tough year”.
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, will be a rock for the monarch, and will continue to help fill the void left by the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Middleton is the third most popular royal in Britain, following the Queen and Prince William, respectively, according to a YouGov poll.
Nicholl – who wrote Kate: The Future Queen – says Middleton’s 40th year will be her most pivotal.
“We’ve seen Kate blossom over the years, growing in confidence and evolving into a key member of the royals. Just last month, she proved how far she’d come when she hosted the royals’ Christmas carol concert on her own,” Nicholl told the website Closer.
“Standing there as a woman totally sure of herself who takes her role seriously. I think we’ll see her thrive even more in her 40th year. Like Diana, Kate’s immensely popular, a fashion icon and loved by the nation. I don’t think she ever wanted to ‘be’ her late mother-in-law, she just took inspiration from her work ethic and diligence. Kate’s the ‘people’s princess’, but her own version.”
Nicholl said that in the media storm caused by Megxit, Middleton displayed “leadership” and “she’s kept calm and carried on. I think this year she’ll come into her own even more, especially as it’ll be a tough year for the royals.”
The Duchess of Cambridge, 39, has stepped up to her royal duties and public life, whereas “Harry and Meghan’s interviews this year have caused chaos for the royals, and Harry’s new memoir – due out next year – will likely reveal even more intimate details about the royal family, and cause further issues,” said Nicholl.
“And Andrew’s court case will too. Kate will step up and I know the Queen hugely values her support, and will rely on her more than ever.”
It comes as a New York judge will soon decide whether to dismiss the sexual assault lawsuit against Prince Andrew after the royal’s lawyers argued that he was protected by a settlement that his accuser signed in 2009.
Amid that drama the Queen lost her long time friend and confidante Lady Farnham who, as Lady of the Bedchamber had been at the Queen’s side for more than 30 years, helping prepare her for her public appearances.
And yet to come is Prince Harry’s memoir which, according to a press release will be an “intimate and heartfelt” account to be released in “late 2022,” coinciding with the Queen’s historic Diamond Jubilee, which will mark her 70th year on the throne.
Middleton will be “more cherished than ever at this point in her life,” said Nicholl.
“She’ll no doubt be at the centre of more drama as she has to help the royals through a difficult year with Prince Andrew’s trial and the release of Harry’s memoir, but the royals know that with Kate among their ranks, they’re stronger for it.”
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton who was private secretary to the Cambridges and used to work for the Queen Mother, told The Times: “When I was a 23-year-old I was the Queen Mother’s equerry for a couple of years.
“The Duchess reminds me so much of her. In a funny sort of way, she has got the same temperament. Like the Queen Mother, she is incredibly polite to everybody.
“She takes time to talk to people. She is tough. She has got that Queen Mother feel in her, so that when things need doing, she is there do them.”
Originally published as Queen will rely on ‘supportive’ Kate Middleton in difficult year for royal family, expert says
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