At the turn of the year, Princess Kate (41) can look back on her first full twelve months as Princess of Wales. 2023 began turbulently for the 41-year-old and her husband, the heir to the British throne, Prince William (41). Because just a few months after the death of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), William’s brother Prince Harry (39) shocked the British royals in January 2023 with the publication of his controversial memoirs “Spare” (in German: “Reserve”), in which he made serious accusations against his relatives.
Shortly before her 42nd birthday on January 9th next year, Kate now seems ready to finally put the drama surrounding Harry and his wife, Duchess Meghan (42) behind her. “She’s put that behind her, and so has William,” an unnamed friend of Kate’s told US magazine People. Accordingly, the future Queen of Great Britain would from now on concentrate on “what matters in the future” instead of looking back.
Renowned royal expert Valentine Low, who reports on the British monarchy for the London Times, agrees. “Kate thinks strategically. She will be queen one day and she has the long-term interests of the monarchy and the royal family at heart,” reports People.
In this context, the royal expert also points out a subtle difference between Princess Kate’s public image, which he describes as “nice and smiling and, dare I say, harmless,” and her actions behind the scenes. Contrary to her public perception, Kate is “in truth strong-willed and ready to fight for what she wants and thinks is right.”
Princess Kate’s strengthened role within the British monarchy was reflected last year not least in the success of her “Shaping Us” campaign, which the 41-year-old launched at the beginning of the year, and with which she emphasized the importance of the first five years of life a child should be made aware.
Kate also invited numerous people whose work revolves around early childhood development to her annual Christmas concert on December 8th. Kate and her husband, Prince William, attended the festive carol singing at London’s Westminster Abbey in the absence of King Charles III. (75) and Queen Camilla (76) are the highest-ranking royals this year. Just another indication of their growing importance within the monarchy.
“She is creating a special place for herself that is solemn,” explains royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith (75) to “People,” referring to Princess Kate’s role, which has grown over the past year.
