Princess Kate’s "cultural influence" has not stopped the Royal Family from "proving its capacity to function", a commentator has exclusively told GB News.
The Princess of Wales has only made one major outing in 2024 when she attended Trooping the Colour alongside her family but will attend the men's singles final at Wimbledon today.
In January, Kate underwent major abdominal surgery, and announced she was undergoing chemotherapy two months later.
As a result, the mother-of-three has stepped back from public life, but recently admitted she could attend a few engagements over the summer, medical advice permitting.
Speculation over Princess Kate's whereabouts ran rife earlier this year
GettyGareth Russell, a royal author, spoke exclusively to GB News to explain if the Royal Family is missing Kate's influence amid her absence from public life.
He said: "The Princess of Wales is very much a star player.
"She regularly polls as one of, if not the most popular member of the Royal Family.
"There was no greater, albeit slightly paradoxical, tribute to her cultural influence than to see the unhinged mania of speculation that surrounded her brief absence from the public eye during the initial student stages of her diagnosis and treatment.
Princess Kate’s "cultural influence" has not stopped the Royal Family from "proving its capacity to function", a commentator has exclusively told GB News.
Getty"However, the monarchy is, and always will be bigger than any one person.
"Many people when Elizabeth II was alive believed that the monarchy was Elizabeth II and it would collapse without her, and that has proven not to be true.
"So whilst the monarchy is certainly missing a very valuable player, it is also, I think, proving its capacity to continue functioning with other members.
"This also is important for people like the Princess of Wales, because it means that there isn't undue pressure on any senior member of the Royal Family to continue to perform public duties at a time when they're dealing with serious personal health matters."
Kate returned to royal life briefly during Trooping the Colour in June
GettyLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis to the world in March
GettyIssuing a rare update on her health in June, Kate said: "I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days.
"On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.
"My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.
"I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet."
