The Princess of Wales is one of the most instantly recognisable women in the world, as well as one of the monarchy’s greatest assets, but any personal thoughts that stretch beyond the boundaries of her official role remain an enigma to many.
We know she possesses a keen interest in early years development – to the point where she has become one of the leading voices in the field thanks to her research and the success of projects such as the Big 5 Survey and Shaping Us. But when it comes to areas of her private life, she is inscrutable.
The once-quiet and reserved Kate has been replaced by an assured, playful – and occasionally forceful – figure, commanding as much respect from the public as King Charles or Prince William could ever hope for.
Kate certainly began her royal journey in Prince William’s shadow, and was shy at times. But as a mother-of-three and charity figurehead, her confidence has grown and she is now looked upon as a royal matriarch for the modern age.
This expertly-manoeuvred rise is something which is richly deserved, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!, as she compared the way Kate uses her “soft power” to that of her husband’s great-grandmother, the late Queen Mother.
Jennie explained, “People always used to describe the Queen Mother as ‘steel in a velvet glove’. She was always charming, gentle and much admired. But, she was also the strength behind her husband, George Vl, and at the Palace her opinion counted. I think Kate has some of those same qualities.
“She has learned the craft of being royal over a number of years and earned her place as a senior member of the family. Gradually, she has also earned the respect of the public and, I believe, of the rest of the family. We look at her now not just as William’s wife, but as our future Queen.”
