Prince William and Princess Kate have emerged as “the heart” of the Royal Family as the couple prepare for the end of 2025, according to a royal biographer.
The princess has reemerged this year after recovering from her cancer treatment and revealing in January she is in remission.
Recent months have seen the future queen take on a series of royal duties, from spearheading Armistice Day celebrations, returning to the Royal Variety Performance, and hosting her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Royal biographer Catherine Mayer believes “William and Kate are showcased as being not just the future of the monarchy but its absolute heart.
Prince William and Princess Kate have become “the heart” of the royal family in 2025
“They are becoming the face of state visits. They are taking on a leadership role.
“She looks like our idea of a future Queen.”
The Waleses made their return to the Royal Family’s traditional pre-Christmas gathering at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, accompanied by Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
The Wales family had been absent from last year’s festive lunch as the Princess of Wales was still undergoing cancer treatment at the time.
Instead of attending the 2023 celebration, they had travelled early to Norfolk to spend the holiday period at their Anmer Hall residence.
This year’s gathering brings together approximately 70 of the King’s extended relatives for the annual event, which typically occurs about a week before Christmas Day.
Princess Kate and Charlotte were seen heading to Buckingham Palace for the first time since 2022
The lunch provides an opportunity for family members to reunite, particularly those who will not be present at Sandringham for the traditional Christmas Day festivities and church service.
The Princess of Wales chose a striking red dress for the occasion, accessorised with a black bow in her hair and Van Cleef earrings valued at £6,300.
Kate wowed fans earlier this month as she stepped out for the State Banquet in a glitzy blue dress and sash.
The royal stunned in a tiara she has never been spotted in public before.
Kate opted for Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara, made of diamonds and rubies, which was designed by the German-born Prince Albert.
Her purple-blue, floor-length sequinned gown with flowing cape shoulder detail was by Jenny Packham.
Princess Kate stunned fans earlier in the when she stepped out for the State Banquet
According to Garrard, the tiara was crafted in 1853 for Queen Victoria under the direction of her husband, Prince Albert.
The choice may have been a nod to Prince Albert, who was from Germany.
The sparkling accessory features 2,600 diamonds and was originally set with opals before Queen Alexandra later replaced the gems with rubies.
