How crisis is bringing out the best in Kate
DOES ANY YOUNG girl still dream of being a princess? Sure, you get tiaras and invitations to balls but, in recent months, it has become ever clearer that joining the royal family brings life-changing duties and difficult obligations. For the Duchess of Cambridge, who will celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary next year, new circumstances have given her an unexpected chance to show the country, and herself, exactly what she’s capable of. As we see more of Kate and William’s life through their computer screens, it feels like a turning point. In their roles as royals, but also their marriage.
On Tuesday 12 May, the Cambridges marked International Nurses Day with a message that cut together clips of Kate, William and other senior royals – including Sophie Countess of Wessex and Princess Anne – chatting over video call to nurses worldwide. It was the first time we have seen the family ‘together’ in such a way, and the couple have been thrilled to use technology to welcome the world into their home.
‘They’ve made a point of making themselves more accessible than ever,’ says royal author Katie Nicholl, ‘because they genuinely want to help. They know that they’ve got this powerful spotlight. And now, through video calls and virtual events, they’ve found a new and effective way to get the world to listen and to take notice of what they’re doing. They’re coming across as relaxed in front of the camera, very normal, and very relatable.’
Like many, William struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the situation initially, and was recorded making a joke on camera during a visit to Ireland in early March that appeared to trivialise coronavirus. As further developments have unfolded, though, he and Kate are now taking things very seriously. They are fully focused on what they can do to help, taking meetings and calls throughout the day with charities and frontline organisations. But they are also pleased to have discovered some personal silver linings of lockdown.
‘Kate loves being at home with her
children, baking and teaching, reading and playing in the garden,’ says Katie. ‘She’s a very hands-on mum and so, while she jokes about the strains and challenges of homeschooling, she’s really loving this time. They are completely protected and private in Norfolk, and they are together. That’s been a real joy.’ The couple are keen to ensure that some of these positives remain in place long-term. ‘This quality time has proven such a tonic that they don’t want to let it go,’ an insider explains. ‘It has brought them closer as partners.’
‘They have always had systems in place to ensure that the children are happy and healthy and feel loved,’ says another source. ‘It’s little things that matter to them, like having one parent be there as often as possible to put them to bed or take them to school. With the children at home all day, it’s been about giving them everything they need in terms of schooling, exercise and attention. But they need support, too. So they are sitting down and reconnecting as a couple, reminiscing and laughing. They have pledged to find the time, even here and there, to work on their relationship, more than ever.’ Indeed, Grazia understands that they still have the support of their nanny, although Kate is ‘greatly missing’ her mother Carole and sister Pippa.
They are also, naturally, missing Harry, now based in LA with Meghan and oneyear-old son Archie. While sources say they are ‘relieved’ that the drama resulting from the Megxit saga has begun to calm down, Katie says that William and Harry are in touch and Meghan’s positive influence has been felt. ‘They aren’t firm friends, but Kate learned something very important from Meghan,’ says a source. ‘Meghan knows the power of social media, of communicating with the public, and Kate was paying attention.’ Indeed, shortly after Harry and Meghan left the UK, making their staff redundant, the Cambridges hired David Watkins, the man behind the Sussex Royal account. This change in strategy has required conversations with William, though. ‘He is more traditional and set in the old royal ways,’ the source says. ‘They have discussed their comfort levels, the line between sharing and oversharing, and found a happy compromise. It’s changing the way they’ve lived their lives – both as royals and as partners – and it’s already paying off. It seems a long time since they’ve looked so relaxed with each other.’
This was best displayed on recent milestones: Prince Louis’ and Princess
Charlotte’s birthdays. While Kate has always shared photographs of the children on such occasions, the recent images – Louis covered in paint, Charlotte helping locals in need – are warmer and more everyday. ‘For Kate to authorise their social media coordinator to post things like the Louis “Instagram versus reality” photos shows off her fun side,’ Katie says. ‘We’re seeing, in recent months, Kate lose some of the stiffness. She’s relaxing and showing more of the real Kate.’ William, an insider says, is ‘pleased and proud’ that she has found such strength. ‘The family could have shied away in the security of their estate, but he and Kate knew that the country needed to see them. He is thrilled with the reaction.’
It will be a long time before the world returns to a semblance of normality, and the beginning of loosening lockdown restrictions means that decisions have to be made. The recent announcement that schools reopening will begin with the youngest pupils, for example, would mean that Princess Charlotte (who is in reception) would go back to school sooner than George (who is in year two). They have considered George and Louis remaining in Norfolk, while Charlotte returns to school in London, but decided such a separation would be untenable. Everything they do now is as a family. Whatever happens, Kate and William have resolved to talk through everything, and do whatever is best – both for their family and royalty.