Kate Middleton Wields More Power Than Most Royal Family Members

When Princess Catherine started dating Prince William, few thought the college romance would end in marriage. Now, she’s the queen-in-waiting and raising the future king of England. Catherine went from being a middle-class woman to one of the most renowned royals in the world, and as the years wore on, her influence within the British monarchy — and the world — only grew.

There are whispers that few understand the profound impact the Princess of Wales has on the British royal family. In Robert Jobson’s 2024 royal biography “Catherine, The Princess of Wales,” the future queen’s influence is discussed thoroughly. If insiders who spoke to Jobson are to be believed, Catherine is the reason Prince William’s relationship with King Charles III hasn’t gone the same route as Prince Harry’s. “[Catherine has] smoothed the way for William and his father to have a better relationship than they had in the past,” Jobson wrote. William has evidently held somewhat of a grudge against his father for prioritizing work over family in the past, but Catherine, ever the diplomat, has managed to get William to see things from his father’s perspective. “[She] is somebody who always tries to see both sides of any dispute,” an insider told Jobson.

Her calm demeanor and emotional maturity have made Catherine a pillar of strength within the royal family, and if you’re curious about just how much influence she has within the firm, you’re in the right place.

While most would only be too happy to join a family of royals, Princess Catherine wasn’t entirely naive about the challenges it posed. While pregnant with Princess Charlotte in 2015, she set out some ground rules to balance her role as a mother and her royal duties. In his book, “Catherine, The Princess of Wales,” Robert Jobson writes that the princess needed more time to balance her responsibilities and presented her needs to Queen Elizabeth II and then-Prince Charles.

“She wouldn’t be pigeon-holed into carrying out particular duties and insisted on eventually having her full quota of maternity leave, away from the glare of the media and public,” Jobson wrote. Catherine didn’t want royal duties supplanting her personal life and familial duties. She also wanted the causes she supports to be of personal interest and share her core values.

Being a mother is tough on the best of days, but Princess Catherine has the added pressure of knowing she’s raising Prince George to become king. According to royal biographer Angela Levin, the Princess of Wales is acutely aware of this immense responsibility. “Kate’s a very confident mother. But even so, she’s acutely aware of the pressure of raising George as the future monarch. It’s a very heavy burden to carry,” she told OK!

Catherine and Prince William told George about his destiny when he turned 7, Robert Lacey claimed in his book, “Battle of Brothers: William and Harry — the Inside Story of a Family in Tumult.” William and Catherine are trying to ensure he has as normal a childhood as possible, balancing knowledge of his future responsibilities with a typical upbringing.

It doesn’t take an expert to know that having a great relationship with the media gives you incredible power, and the Princess of Wales understands this better than anyone. Since her entrance into royal life, Princess Catherine has nurtured her relationship with the British press, giving them just enough rope to keep them off her back, leading to favorable coverage. For instance, she has provided the media with pictures of her children on their birthdays, which has resulted in the paparazzi leaving them alone in public.

Royal expert Camilla Tominey once wrote in The Telegraph that Catherine managed the rare feat of killing the market for paparazzi shots by providing the press with candid snaps of her own. Journalist Afua Hagan praised Catherine’s ability to control the press narrative in a Channel 5 documentary, explaining that Catherine ensures media interest in her family translates into favorable coverage.

As Queen Elizabeth II’s health problems increased, Princess Catherine’s influence within the royal family became more apparent, especially evident when she took Her Majesty’s place on the balcony during the 2021 Remembrance Sunday service. Queen Elizabeth II was set to attend but couldn’t due to a back injury, and it was significant that Catherine took the queen’s usual spot at the center of the balcony.

This trend continued after the queen’s death despite Camilla becoming queen. Catherine often positioned herself front and center in public appearances, symbolizing her pivotal role. True Royalty TV co-founder Nick Bullen told Fox News Digital, “She is a very strong character who has transitioned from being a young bride to being a key player within the royal family.”

True Royalty TV co-founder Nick Bullen has dubbed Princess Catherine a “branding superpower.” Catherine’s style has been ventured as the “Kate Effect,” and Bullen mentions that it began when she wore a blue wrap dress for engagement photos, causing instant sell-outs of the dress.

Catherine’s influence has grown beyond fashion. Grazia editor Hattie Brett mentioned that audiences are as interested in what Catherine says as in what she wears. Catherine’s decision to re-wear some favorite pieces makes her seem in touch with the public’s environmental concerns. Amanda Matta believes that Catherine’s public popularity gives her “some soft power within the royal family,” as her support for causes increases public interest.

It might be safe to say that Princess Catherine is the future face of the monarchy. Prince William will one day become king, but Catherine’s influence and popularity are undeniable. Her middle-class background and connection with the younger generation put her in a unique position to keep the monarchy relevant. For instance, she insisted on inviting some of her staff to King Charles III’s coronation, a move insiders told The Telegraph signified her growing influence.

Catherine is also raising her three kids in a visible manner, often bringing them to public events. This is enhancing the monarchy’s image, as seen when Catherine comforted a distraught child during a public appearance before the Coronation Concert in 2023, making headlines. Her choice to share her cancer diagnosis via a video instead of a written statement, as King Charles III did, is also revealing.

Princess Catherine’s influence within the royal family extends far beyond her own power. She has the ear of both the current and future king, and it’s said King Charles III adores his daughter-in-law. Catherine is good at keeping both Charles and William’s tempers in check. Comparisons to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who excelled at keeping peace within the family, have been drawn.

While Catherine is known for being diplomatic, she also champions the causes she believes in. “She has this public image of being nice and smiley,” royal author Valentine Low told People, “but she is actually strong-minded, strong-willed and prepared to fight for what she wants.”

If royal authors and experts are to be believed, Princess Catherine is calm and collected behind the scenes and adept at drafting palace statements during crises. Her strategic mind was evident in handling the fallout from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. Catherine reportedly came up with the phrase, “some recollections may vary,” in the queen’s press statement, ensuring the monarchy’s side was represented.

Catherine also wrote her own cancer announcement. “It was all her, she wrote every word of it, it came together very quickly,” a friend told The Standard.

In 2024, Ipsos revealed that Princess Catherine was the most popular member of the royal family. Royal expert Katie Nicholl, in the documentary “Kate: The Making of a Future Queen,” stated that her increasing royal duties have made her more familiar to the public. Nicholl explained that Catherine’s rise in public duties was a calculated move, bringing her into the spotlight.

Catherine’s popularity was evident when she took a break from public duties after surgery in January 2024. Her absence led to a media frenzy, demonstrating the public’s deep interest in her life.

Princess Catherine is considered one of the most relatable royals. Her ordinary, middle-class upbringing enables her to connect with the public in ways others cannot. Royal expert Christine Ross emphasized that Catherine’s unique, personal connection makes her stand out among royals.

This awareness of her unique position is one reason Catherine chose to film her cancer announcement, desiring to connect with the public and inspire hope.

Princess Catherine’s cancer announcement left the world silent in shock, contrasting with the well-wishes King Charles III received for his diagnosis. The public reaction reinforced her status as the royal family’s most valuable member. When she failed to appear for several months, questions about her whereabouts grew, causing a media frenzy.

The reaction to Catherine’s absence demonstrated her significance to the public and the monarchy. Speculation ceased when she announced her diagnosis, and well-wishes took over once again.

The future of the monarchy might rest on Princess Catherine’s shoulders. Post-Queen Elizabeth II’s death, many wondered what her absence meant for the royal family’s future. King Charles III does not enjoy the same popularity and faces declining support. However, Catherine might salvage the monarchy’s reputation. According to royal commentator Amanda Matta, Catherine’s popularity and association with positive events could push the monarchy forward and secure her place in people’s hearts, much like the late queen.