Kate Middleton Rose to Power as the Royal Family's 'Secret Weapon' After Proving Critics Wrong
Once a commoner born into a middle-class family, Kate Middleton has proven her critics wrong, rising steadily toward her future role as Queen. While the Princess of Wales may have found her fairytale with Prince William, she has carved out a powerful legacy of her own, defining her significant place within the Firm. According to royal author Robert Jobson, there is no stopping her. He credits her steely resolve, grounded nature, and quiet authority as the very qualities the monarchy needs in an era of constant change and scrutiny.
In an article for The Sun, Jobson detailed how Middleton has often defied her critics and risen to the top. He penned, "Catherine is the Crown's weapon — not so secret anymore. The institution doesn't serve her. She serves it. And by doing it brilliantly, she has made it serve her family's future…After treatment for cancer, after all the doubts, she has proved critics wrong." He also touched upon her cancer battle, highlighting her poise and strength. Pointing to the fact that she suffered from a dangerous illness, he stressed that she spoke about her battle not as a royal figure but "as a mother, a wife, a woman confronting fragile health and crushing public expectation."
Meanwhile, Jobson noted that Middleton's three children were her pillars of strength, noting that they needed her the most. He spoke particularly of her penchant to give future heir, Prince George, a normal childhood while preparing him for kingship. Speaking about her careful balance of maintaining tradition and modernity, he added, "The institution doesn't work for you. You work for it, and serve it well, and it gives you purpose…Now she's [Middleton] changing the rules from the inside. William needs her — not just as a wife but also someone who works the room while he works the problem."
In particular, the royal expert believed that King Charles needed her the most, citing her steely resolve and her influence on the younger generation. He explained, "She [Middleton] connects, and he constructs... King Charles needs her for different reasons. Catherine gives him proof that the monarchy outlasts him, and when they appear together, the message is clear." In the aftermath of Prince Harry's departure and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's ongoing scandals, Jobson noted that the Princess of Wales has become a crucial asset, commanding the greatest share of public affection.
Drawing comparisons with the late Princess Diana, Jobson concluded that both women have touched millions of hearts around the world. He noted that while Diana did so through emotion and instinct, "Catherine has redefined through intelligence and intention." For 2026, the Princess of Wales is expected to play a pivotal role during her upcoming state visit to the US with Charles and William, with royal watchers predicting she will charm Donald Trump, as she has previously done so on many occasions.