Kate Middleton is 'pushing Meghan Markle into the background' as Princess 'sees off' sister-in-law

Kate is “pushing” Meghan Markle further into the background, an expert has claimed in a damning look into the inner workings of the Royal Family.

Former royal correspondent Nicholas Owens made the claims as he praised the Princess of Wales for coming “into her own” as she begins to embrace her new role in the Royal Family five months in.

Last week, Kate and Prince William's made a historic first trip to Cornwall during which they visited the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and tried their hand at riveting on a Helford Delta Class boat dating back to the 1940s.

They were greeted by cheering crowds during the trip who lined the streets to get a glimpse at the couple.

Ben Birchall

Now, a royal expert has claimed Kate’s popularity amongst the public is set in stone.

Nicholas Owens said: "[Kate's] popularity is absolutely assured.

"She's got new advisors around her, particularly one lady.

"A real toughy is, a sort of, one of her main assistants."

Owens continued to Sky News Australia: "Beyond the exterior that we all see, the smiling face, the easy way with crowds, the wonderful way Kate has with children, there is also some steel going on there.

"The determination to sort of set herself out a role, rather as you say, but is she seeing off Meghan in the process.

"Well, if that's a byproduct of what's going on, how jolly convenient, that would be nice wouldn't it, pushing Meghan further and further into the background."

Recently, Kate employed a branding and marketing expert as her private secretary.

A royal insider claimed the move was a “clear sign” she was rebranding herself.

They said: “What the Princess of Wales is doing is a very clear sign that she is redefining herself now that she has this new role.”

Speaking to the Telegraph they explained that Kate has a "greater platform now" and so has to have "the right team to deliver for her”.

Last week, Kate gave royal fans an exclusive insight into her life with the launch of a brand new Instagram account.

She launched the new social media account to platform the work she carries out on early childhood awareness.

Joe Giddens

As part of the launch, Kate shared an image of herself as a baby as she urged people to speak to their family and friends.

In the photo, a young Kate can be seen reaching out to her father, Michael Middleton, who is holding her.

She is wearing a summer dress in the photograph which was taken by her mother Carole.

It was part of her campaign called “Shaping Us” which was set up to raise awareness of the vital role early years play in shaping the rest of a child’s life.