KATE’S QUIET POWER

The Princess of Wales knows how the world works and is steering the royal ship towards safety

William has promised to bring positive change when he eventually becomes King, but key to his success will be his future Queen

It has been, by any measure, one of the most challenging periods in modern royal history. With an arrest, illness, death, departures from the Firm and the ongoing Epstein scandal heaping scrutiny on the institution like never before, the monarchy has been buffeted by storm after storm in recent years.

The King and Queen have steadied the ship as best they can, with the support of the Prince and Princess of Wales. But it is down to William and Kate to steer it safely for the next generation.

The Prince has promised “change for good” when his reign eventually comes. But key to his success as monarch, and indeed as heir to the throne, is the strength and support of his future Queen.

The couple’s statement last month in response to the ongoing Epstein saga, in which they said that they were “deeply concerned by the continuing revelations” and that “their thoughts remain focused on the victims”, shows that they are united on the issue. hello! understands that William has been worried about how the scandal might affect the monarchy, but Kate’s strength, reassuring presence by his side and huge popularity give him hope. “She is critical to the running of the monarchy, and she really does understand the vision of the future,” says Russell Myers, the author of William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story.