The Princess of Wales is said to be left in a “lonely position” after her role within the Firm has stepped it up a gear, with Kate making more public appearances in recent months.
An expert has said her “incredible success” in undertaking royal duties has only increased her popularity – leading to her unknowingly forging a unique place within the Firm.
Speaking to the OK!, Dr Tessa Dunlop said: “She’s left the category of a lone ranger or rich girl from her home county and has become this sort of stratospherically famous, influential individual, and I think that’s probably quite a lonely position. Which is why she’s lucky she’s got a good relationship with her mother and a very good one with her sister.”
Dr Dunlop added that in some ways, Kate is left as “an outsider” after becoming an “incredibly successful import into the Royal Family”.
“They [the monarchy] haven’t had a Kate. Kate is now in uncharted waters in modern history, and I think that’s worth bearing in mind. The future Queen Consort’s role is an incredibly influential one, and this is all about soft power.”
As one of the highest-ranking members of the British Royal Family, the Princess of Wales has succeeded in striking a balance between the traditional approach to the role and the monarchy’s need for modernisation.
Despite the pressure, royal commentators have widely agreed in noting that Kate has hit the ground running since taking on the role last year.
Her own brother, James Middleton, said over the summer she was “blossoming” in the position.
He told Good Morning Britain over the summer: “She’s my sister, and I see her as my sister. I’m extremely proud. I’m always taken aback by how much she does do, and that does always continue to stay at the forefront of my mind.
“But to be honest, she’s my sister, so I know all of her quirks and everything and to see her blossoming in that role, I’m very proud of her.”
William and Kate have just hired a new director for their Royal Foundation – Dame Pippa Harris, who was previously the producer of Call The Midwife.
The traditional term used for the position is Master of the Household.
The forward-thinking move is a first for members of the Royal Family and comes after the Prince and Princess of Wales have taken on more responsibilities since the Queen’s death last year.
