A royal commentator has talked up the "key role" the Princess of Wales will play for The Firm in the coming months.
The Princess of Wales returned to regular engagements in 2025 after announcing early in the year that she was in remission from cancer.
Catherine made her first speech in over two years when she attended the Future Workforce Summit in London back in November, and according to a royal expert, she will continue to be a key pillar in the monarchy's 2026 operations.
Speaking exclusively to The People’s Channel, Richard Fitzwilliams said: “I think that the fact that Princess Kate is doing more, I think that's very important, because she's so popular, both of the Waleses are.
The Princess of Wales is key to the Royal Family in 2026, according to Richard Fitzwilliams
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“She also has significant influence over fashion; she is an icon helping produce and launch brands.
“With the continued improvement of her condition, she will be a standout member of the Firm and a key to the family in 2026.”
Prince William and Catherine "were a wee bit nervous" to try out curling during their visit to Stirling's National Curling Academy in Scotland last week, an Olympian has revealed.
The Prince and Princess of Wales tried their hand at a light-hearted curling contest with the athletes.
Bruce Mouat, who won silver in Beijing, told Hello!: "I was starstruck, to be honest. They walked into the ice rink just like two normal people would.
"It was so cool, having the Prince and Princess shaking hands with us, chatting and wishing us good luck.
The Princess has begun to increase her royal engagements in recent months
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"I thought it was really special that they came along and I was honoured to have the opportunity to teach them how to curl."
Mr Mouat's mixed-doubles partner, Jen Dodds, described the time as "a blur".
Ms Dodds said: "I was just like: 'What is going on?' We had been in a bubble for over a month, just us, the boys' team and our support staff. It was overwhelming.
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"You could tell they were a wee bit nervous. Obviously, it's not normal to slide about on the ice, but for a first attempt, they both did very well. I was impressed by both of them."
Ms Dodds has met royalty in the past, when she won gold in 2022.
The Princess of Wales beat her husband during the competition | GETTYShe was delighted to be awarded an MBE for services to curling by Princess Anne at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Recollecting the day, the Olympian said: "That was really special. [Anne] said: 'Congratulations from the whole country.'"
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