Kate Middleton just turned 40, and experts agree that she's at the top of her game. She's gained in confidence, taken her time to carefully select the causes she champions, and is also widely beloved by the public and an elegant figurehead for the Firm.
Thanks to these attributes, royal insider Patrick Jephson—who previously worked for Princess Diana—believes that the Duchess of Cambridge is the royal family's single best asset right now.
"As the Prince Andrew scandal shows, the monarchy is in desperate need of reassuringly conventional royal performers," Jephson tells Page Six. "Catherine is just what these troubled royal times need—it’s no exaggeration that the Windsors’ future lies in her hands.
"Monarchy is the ultimate long game … because unlike business, politics or media stardom, royalty is for life and its time horizons are infinite. Catherine has mastered that long game and that’s a very significant achievement."
For royal author Bethan Holt, it's no coincidence that the Cambridges are so often in the limelight these days. "Charles and Camilla don’t seem to have the global pull and there seems to be this absolute campaign to make William and Kate the family’s global stars," Holt explains. "There seems to be a whole royal family operation to elevate the Cambridges."
It makes sense: Despite the cheating rumors that turned some royal fans against Prince William, he and his wife are still public favorites these days. More junior royals such as Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice are also well liked, but the Cambridges are by far the most popular among more senior family members—as future king and queen.
A lot of people don't love the fact that Prince Charles cheated on Princess Diana with his now-wife Camilla Parker-Bowles. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have many supporters, but also many dissenters, following their departure from royal life. And Prince Andrew was accused of sexual abuse.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on the other hand, are often seen as moral, friendly, approachable, and up with the times. Fit for the crown, as it were.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Sources Close to Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet Are Finally Addressing Those Baby Rumors
The gossip surrounding the famous couple has hit a fever pitch.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Emma Stone Says She Wants to Be Known By Her Birth Name from Now On—Not Emma, Her Stage Name
“That would be so nice.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Anya Taylor-Joy's Chocolate Corset Gown Looks So Rich
And those Tiffany jewels?!
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Prince William Told Princess Charlotte's Favorite Joke, And I'm Cackling
Help, I have the sense of humor of an 8-year-old.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
“Extremely Disappointed” Prince Harry Might Be Forced to Miss Attending the 10-Year Celebration of the Invictus Games In Person Next Month
The event, scheduled for May 8 in London, would see Harry return to the U.K. to celebrate an organization so important to him.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince Harry Was "Furious and in Tears" Over Frogmore Eviction, Author Claims
It was a difficult time.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Are Prioritizing Their Children's "Happiness" Amid Kate's Diagnosis, Source Says
The little ones come first.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Louis Turns 6—See the Adorable New Photo
Princess Kate was behind the lens.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Will Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Appear in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Two New Netflix Series?
Filming for both shows—about polo and cookery—began this month.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince William Makes Moving Promise About Princess Kate at His First Public Appearance Since She Revealed She Has Cancer
He also revealed his youngest child Prince Louis’ favorite sport while at the engagement.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince Harry Has Changed His Official Residence to the U.S.
Don't make it mean more than it does, k?
By Iris Goldsztajn Published