It has been a difficult year for the royal family, but through it all the Princess of Wales has emerged as a source of strength and stability. While making memorable appearances at big events throughout the year, Princess Catherine is now spending the remainder of 2022 staying out of the spotlight as she focuses on recovery and plans for what’s to come.
Those close to Buckingham Palace say the Princess is preparing herself diligently for her future role as Queen. “To not only survive but thrive in the royal family, one has to be extremely strong,” a source said. “The strict hierarchy within the palace can be intimidating, but Catherine’s confidence shines through. She knows that one day she will be the most important woman in the family and the entire country, so she is making sure her voice is heard and ensuring she deserves this position.”
A recent Ipsos poll has revealed the most and least popular members of the British royal family. At the top of the charts is the UK’s future Queen, Catherine, who topped the survey with a favorable opinion of 66% of Britain. Her husband, Prince William, trails closely behind her with a 65% popularity rating. Princess Anne comes in third place with 62%. Elsewhere in the UK population, over half believe King Charles III is doing a good job since taking the throne following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II last year. In general, the royal family holds a positive rating, with 53% of locals viewing them favorably.
In what has undoubtedly been one of the royal family’s most difficult years, Princess Catherine has emerged as a leading figure and source of stability. Her rare public appearances this year have only served to magnify how vital her role has now become. When she steps into the public eye, “the royal family shines with a light that is otherwise dimmed,” one insider said. “She’s the Taylor Swift, the Madonna, the Kylie, the Britney of high society. Without her, the royal family simply fades into the background.”
Her first public appearance since revealing her cancer diagnosis was at Trooping the Colour in June, where she joined other senior royals on Buckingham Palace’s famous balcony. This was followed by an appearance at Wimbledon in July, where she brought her daughter Princess Charlotte and sister Pippa Matthews along. Each sighting was a reminder of the Princess’s star power and a much-needed brightness in an otherwise uncertain year.
In her struggles, Catherine has drawn even closer to the public, who see in her a reflection of their own fears and hopes. The nation’s collective concern for her wellbeing is a testament to the deep bond she has made with people in this country over many years – one that cannot be easily broken.
Looking ahead, Princess Catherine will work closely with her top team, namely Private Secretary Tom White and Assistant Private Secretary Natalie Barrow, to meticulously plan her gradual return to public duties. She is hopeful of attending the Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in December and joining the family for the traditional royal walkabout on Christmas Day. “The Princess is keen to uphold these traditions with her family again this year,” a palace source said.
The new year will follow a similar pattern of a gradual return to royal duties, with the Princess mindful not to rush resuming a fuller diary. Some have suggested around the six month mark is a likely timescale for when the public can expect to see Catherine attending more day-to-day engagements. One well-placed source noted the couple haven’t ruled out researching their postponed visit to Rome, which was initially planned for spring 2024, for a similar time next year.
After a difficult year which saw her make strength from strength in the face of adversity, Princess Catherine is preparing herself diligently for her future role while also cherishing time with her family. Her calm, considered approach exemplifies why she has become such a respected figure for the British public and global audience alike.
