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Queen Elizabeth 'Will Rely On Kate Middleton More Than Ever This Year' As The Royals Prep To Face A Few Challenges, Predicts Expert

From Prince Andrew's scandal to Prince Harry's memoir, the royals are in for a tough year — but experts say Kate Middleton will step up to the plate.

From Prince Andrew's court case to Prince Harry's memoir, the royals have a long road ahead of them in 2022 — but expert Katie Nicholl believes that Kate Middleton will step up to the plate and help the family pull through.

"In recent years, we’ve seen her leadership in the wake of Megxit, throughout which she’s kept calm and carried on," she noted to Closer. "I think this year she’ll come into her own even more, especially as it’ll be a tough year for the royals."

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"Harry and Meghan’s interviews this year have caused chaos for the royals, and Harry’s new memoir – due out next year – will likely reveal even more intimate details about the royal family, and cause further issues," Nicholl continued. "And Andrew’s court case will too. Kate will step up and I know the Queen hugely values her support, and will rely on her more than ever."

Ahead of the mother-of-three's 40th birthday on January 9, Nicholl reflected on how she's grown into one of the brood's most beloved leaders.

"We’ve seen Kate blossom over the years, growing in confidence and evolving into a key member of the royals," she said. "Just last month, she proved how far she’d come when she hosted the royals’ Christmas carol concert on her own."

"Standing there as a woman totally sure of herself who takes her role seriously. I think we’ll see her thrive even more in her 40th year," the expert predicted. "Like Diana, Kate’s immensely popular, a fashion icon and loved by the nation. I don’t think she ever wanted to ‘be’ her late mother-in-law, she just took inspiration from her work ethic and diligence. Kate’s the ‘people’s princess,’ but her own version."

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In fact, YouGov conducted a poll last year in which 43 percent of Brits said that the Duchess of Cambridge will make a good queen. Another chunk of pollers, 33 percent to be exact, believe that she "probably" will do well when she takes the throne, and only 3 percent said that she won't succeed in the position.