This is important when we have not only lost the grandmother of the nation, but also face the prospect of three male monarchs. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with an overtly alpha line of succession – but history from Nefertiti to Grace Kelly suggests that it’s the princesses who keep the royals hot, as well as making them seem relatable to the public.
Self-confident Princess of Wales
As the wife and mother of a future king, Kate, 40, is now the Diana figure we’ve been missing since she abdicated as Princess of Wales 25 years ago – highly photogenic, deeply maternal and with a likability that appeals to people from all walks of life. Unlike Diana, however, she has the confidence that comes with a solid family background – and 10 years of experience as a royal friend before she even married William, 40. Although she may be the youngest in the family, it would be a mistake to consider Kate a newcomer. She first met the heir to the throne in 2001, so she has 20 years of royal experience under her belt. With more now expected of the couple – and the Prince of Wales needing to act as his father’s ‘supporter of life and limb’ – he will increasingly rely on the wise counsel of this humble and steadfast future queen. As she grows into her most senior royal role, comparisons will inevitably be drawn not to Diana, but to Queen Elizabeth – who, like Kate, developed a reputation for never putting a foot wrong. The Princess of Wales shares the late monarch’s soft-spoken nature, as well as her aversion to conflict. As we saw during the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, which reunited William and Harry just a month after Oprah Winfrey’s interview, Kate is the royal family’s most natural peacemaker.
