As future Queen Consort, Kate Middleton is navigating the complex dynamics within the royal family, including the ongoing rift between Prince William and Prince Harry. Experts believe she is asserting her influence and prioritizing her health amidst the turmoil.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is poised to become a supportive Queen Consort for Prince William, the heir to the British throne. Royal expert Nick Bullen believes she is "the power behind the throne," skillfully navigating the complexities of the royal family's relationships.
Middleton's influence is evident in her recent decisions. She has prioritized her health, undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. Despite her health challenges, she has maintained a public presence, making rare appearances such as at Crathie Church on the Balmoral Estate.
Kate Middleton: The Power Behind the Throne Amidst Royal Rift
The royal family traditionally spends the summer months at Balmoral Castle, a beloved retreat for the late Queen Elizabeth II. However, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, were reportedly not invited to join the family this year, further highlighting the ongoing rift between the brothers.
Christopher Andersen, author of "The King," believes that Middleton is aware of the strained relationship between her husband and his brother. While she was once close to Harry, she recognizes William's anger and is not currently leading any peace talks.
Kate Middleton: The Power Behind the Throne Amidst Royal Rift
"Kate was close to Harry, true," Andersen explained. "They had a special bond. They shared the same goofy sense of humor and laughed at the same jokes. Harry often said Kate was the sister he never had."
However, Middleton's unwavering loyalty lies with her husband. She understands his reasons for avoiding Harry, especially in light of their private struggles.
Kate Middleton: The Power Behind the Throne Amidst Royal Rift
"But above all else, Kate is loyal to her husband," Andersen shared. "She understands completely why William is still fuming. Kate is not about to pressure William while he has so much on his plate, notably her cancer and the king's cancer battle as well."
The last time Harry was at Balmoral Castle was in September 2022, when his grandmother passed away. His absence from the family's summer gathering is another indication of the fractured relationships within the royal family.
Kate Middleton: The Power Behind the Throne Amidst Royal Rift
Sources have claimed that Middleton has been shielded from the increasing drama with the Sussexes. However, she remains concerned about the situation.
"Kate looks at Harry, and she sees a very lost soul," one source claimed. "She’s still incredibly fond of him and so saddened that it's come to this situation where he's completely excommunicated himself from the whole family and there now seems to be this wall that can't be broken down."
Kate Middleton: The Power Behind the Throne Amidst Royal Rift
Andersen agrees with these claims, noting that Middleton initially attempted to reconcile the brothers. However, her efforts have been unsuccessful.
"But above all else, Kate is loyal to her husband. She understands completely why William is still fuming. Kate is not about to pressure William while he has so much on his plate, notably her cancer and the king's cancer battle as well." — Christopher Andersen, author of "The King"
Kate Middleton: The Power Behind the Throne Amidst Royal Rift
"Kate made an effort to bring the brothers back together in the beginning," Andersen claimed. "One of the most poignant scenes in this whole saga was during Prince Philip's funeral in April 2021, when Kate was seen stepping aside so the brothers could be together as they left the funeral service and walked up the hill to Windsor Castle."
Middleton reportedly threw up her hands in frustration after Harry's memoir, "Spare," which contained scathing criticism of William and Charles.
Kate Middleton: The Power Behind the Throne Amidst Royal Rift
In March, Middleton announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. The announcement came after months of speculation about her health. The princess requested privacy during her treatment.
Despite her health challenges, Middleton has resumed some public engagements. She attended Trooping the Colour in June and Wimbledon in July. She skipped other events, such as Garter Day, Royal Ascot, and a Japan state visit to the U.K.
Kate Middleton: The Power Behind the Throne Amidst Royal Rift
Royal experts believe that Middleton is focused on her health and family, rather than the drama with Harry and Meghan.
"Harry and Meghan are not on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ radar right now," Kinsey Schofield of the To Di For Daily podcast claimed. "Catherine is still receiving chemotherapy, is still exhausted, and is focused on her health and family.
Kate Middleton: The Power Behind the Throne Amidst Royal Rift
"The bigger picture no longer includes Harry," Schofield claimed. "[The royals] are focused on Kate's health, the future of their family, and the future of the crown."
As the rift between William and Harry continues, Middleton's influence as future Queen Consort is likely to grow. She is expected to play a vital role in supporting the monarchy and navigating the challenges facing the royal family.
Kate Middleton: The Power Behind the Throne Amidst Royal Rift
