Kate Middleton felt the support of those closest to her as she hosted her annual song concert on December 8. But the festive occasion took place amid a wave of controversy.
Just a few days before the publication of Omid Scobie’s new book Game over she described Kate, 41, as “cold” and unwelcoming to new royal Meghan Markle and – in the Dutch translation of the book – Kate was named alongside King Charles as royals who allegedly took part in discussions about the skin color of Prince Harry and Meghan’s son Prince Archie before he was born. (Buckingham Palace says aides are “exploring all options,” including legal ones, after a publishing error led to the inclusion of the name.)
But this evening, just as they had on their previous outing when they ignored questions from reporters about the book, Kate and husband Prince William continued to enjoy themselves.
“That’s why a lot of people who have worked with her think she’s a great asset to the royal family, because she has incredible professionalism,” royal author Valentine Low told PEOPLE in this week’s issue.
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Like other royal wives in history, Kate has a firmness behind the scenes as she supports her husband and future King William.
“She has a public image of being beautiful and smiling and, dare I say it, harmless,” royal author Valentine Low tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue. “But she’s actually strong-minded, strong-willed and ready to fight for what she wants and what she thinks is right.”
Kate Middleton hosts her “Together at Christmas” carol concert on December 8 at Westminster Abbey.
Chris Jackson/Getty
Her steeliness came to the fore right after Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. After the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said there had been “concern and talk about how dark” their son Archie’s skin might be when he was born, Buckingham Palace released a 61-word statement on Queen Elizabeth’s behalf. The statement noted that “some recollections may differ” about what was discussed in the interview – and Low writes in his book Courtiers: The hidden power behind the crown (out in paperback in September) that Kate played a key role in promoting the phrase.
“She thought it was very important that it wasn’t without challenges,” says Low. “Kate thinks strategically. She will be queen one day and has the long-term interests of the monarchy and the royal family at heart.”
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith adds: “She showed real strength and determination to make things clear that there might be a different truth.”
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Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in March 2020. PHIL HARRIS/POOL/AFP
After several years of family tension, Harry and Meghan’s claims and accusations are in the rearview mirror for William and Kate—and there are no signs of reconciliation between the two couples.
“She’s moved on, and so has William,” a friend of Kate’s told PEOPLE. “She’s very focused on what’s important in the future, they don’t look back.”
As her 42nd birthday approaches on January 9, Kate can assess her first full calendar year as Princess of Wales. And while she may not be a monarch, she has replaced Queen Elizabeth, who died aged 96 in 2022, as the most famous female member of the royal family – and one of increasing influence.
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Queen Camilla, King Charles, Prince William and Kate Middleton pose ahead of a diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace on December 5, 2023.
Chris Jackson/Getty
“She was seen as a central player in the Windsor team,” says Simon Lewis, a former Buckingham Palace and co-host of the BBC podcast When It hits the fan.
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As she continues to face the pressures of the royal spotlight, those who know Kate best say she will carry on calmly.
“He has close friends and family around him and a good relationship with his father-in-law [King Charles],” says the insider, “which equip her for the future.”
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Source: HIS Education