Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl has noted that Kate has endured “incredibly hard, private moments very publicly” and has done so with dignity and resilience. According to Nicholl, these experiences have sharpened the focus on William and Kate’s proximity to the throne. While William has said that becoming king is not the first thing on his mind each morning, there is no doubt that preparations are quietly underway as they consider the long-term future of the monarchy.
The challenge that lies ahead
While Princess Kate’s public confidence today stands in stark contrast to the nerves she once felt as a newly engaged royal, her evolution has been years in the making. Royal photographer Arthur Edwards has previously recalled how nervous Kate was during her engagement announcement in 2010, even needing William to steady her hand while photographs were taken. Kate herself admitted at the time that she did not yet “know the ropes” but was determined to learn quickly and work hard.