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Kate Middleton, widely regarded as one of the key figures within King Charles III’s senior royal team, is expected to take on an especially important role following her strong return after cancer treatment.
The Princess of Wales carefully stepped back into public life throughout 2025, carrying out a smaller number of engagements — but ones considered highly meaningful — as she recovered from her health challenges.
However, 2026 has seen Catherine return to duties at full pace, representing the Royal Family across a series of back-to-back engagements.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said the future Queen is expected to “stand out” as a central figure within the monarchy this year — something many royal watchers may find reassuring following concerns about her health after cancer treatment.
Speaking to The People’s Channel, he said: “I think that the fact that Princess Kate is doing more, I think that’s very important, because she’s so popular, both of the Waleses are.”
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The mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis also holds notable influence in fashion, with Fitzwilliams suggesting she is “an icon helping produce and launch brands.”
He also believes that “with the continued improvement of her condition, she will be a standout member of the Firm and a key to the family in 2026.”
Previously, it had been suggested that King Charles III may look to Kate Middleton to help ease tensions between Prince William and Prince Harry.
At the same time, with the number of working royals reportedly shrinking, Princess Catherine’s public presence is widely seen as a significant boost for the monarchy.
