Princess Kate Middleton displayed her playful nature during her appearance on BBC Radio 1's Going Home on October 10. She shared her preferred emojis, specifically mentioning the heart with the crying emoji and the hysterical laughing one for moments when things go awry. Additionally, she jokingly bantered with her husband Prince William about who would take on the responsibility of cooking dinner that evening.
Recent observations of the royal watchers have noted a noticeable shift in Kate's demeanor, as she appears to be more approachable and relatable. However, this change is not coincidental. A source reveals that the princess has strategically worked towards modernizing her public image.
The 41-year-old mother of three, along with her husband William, also 41, shares three children: Prince George, aged 10, Princess Charlotte, aged 8, and Prince Louis, aged 5. Since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, she has assumed a more prominent role and is determined to present herself in the best possible manner.
According to a source, Kate feels an increased scrutiny following the queen's death. She is transitioning into a new phase of her life and desires her appearance and actions to portray this change. Previously, Kate portrayed the ideal feminine roles of wife, mother, and caregiver. However, now she aspires to be viewed as a compassionate and influential leader in humanitarian efforts.
“Kate wants to be seen as a leader,” says a source. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Following the queen's demise, the Princess of Wales promptly convened a meeting with her advisors to deliberate on a revamped public image. According to a source, Kate engaged in discussions with her team and those she collaborates with, including stylists, with the aim of highlighting her relatability and emphasizing her talent for forging connections with people.
The source further mentions that Kate has been actively immersing herself in community engagements, describing her recent visit to a London school in February for her Place2Be charity. During this visit, the princess opted for a more casual attire and engaged in arts and crafts activities with children, thereby establishing a more approachable persona.
Her style transformation is an integral part of the plan. She has started replacing frilly dresses with power suits and adopting a more casual look. According to the source, Kate aims to be perceived as a strong leader, capable of modernizing the monarchy. Consequently, she has been opting for pants, casual shirts, and more affordable clothing, while discarding long dresses and high heels in favor of more accessible pieces.
William and Kate are aiming to increase their accessibility, according to a source. This motivation has partly been influenced by the upcoming final season of The Crown, which will cover their early romance and is set to premiere on December 14. Kate is concerned about how she will be portrayed in the hit series and wants to proactively manage any potential negative press. She no longer wants to be viewed solely as William's dutiful wife, but as the accomplished woman she has become. The source reveals that Kate is changing her style to win people's favor and to pre-empt any criticism she may face when the new season of The Crown airs.
Lately, Kate has been focusing more on causes that are close to her heart. The source acknowledges that her dedication to charities helping children has been long-standing, even before she became a mother. Both Kate and William are committed to supporting organizations addressing climate change, which resonates with Kate and helps her connect with younger generations. The source highlights that research indicates young people in the UK are particularly concerned about the impact of global warming.
Amid her expanding royal duties, Kate continues to prioritize her own children. Both she and William are renowned for being actively involved parents, and Kate is determined to maintain this hands-on approach. During a recent school break, the couple reduced their engagements but joined forces again in Scotland on November 2.
According to a source, Kate is changing her style to try and gain people's favor. Getty Images (2)
The source explains that even on school days, Kate's aim is to assist the children in getting ready in the morning and being present when they return. The source adds that she intends to help with their homework and engage in playtime with them, although due to her new schedule, there has been a slightly reduced amount of time for these activities in recent months.
Kate is undeterred by the impact on her daily routine, gladly embracing the job at hand. The source reveals that she keenly feels the weight of the queen's high expectations and approaches every event with that burden. However, she genuinely enjoys the work she does, making it a pressure that brings her joy.
Kate has been focused on rehabilitating the image of the entire family, particularly in light of the contentious departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, known as "Megxit," from the UK in 2020. The couple accused the palace of racism (which Prince William himself denied) and bullying (which the palace denied). The source emphasizes that Kate has exerted significant effort to demonstrate to the public their ongoing commitment to having a royal family, in the wake of Meghan and Harry's criticisms of their own relatives.
According to a source at a community event for fathers and their children on November 1, Princess Kate aims to motivate people in her country to develop a sense of compassion for others. Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images.
William is fully supportive of the changes Kate is implementing in that endeavor. Similar to his wife, he has also been becoming more relaxed in recent weeks, aiming to demonstrate that the royal family is relatable to the general public. In June, he was seen dancing at a British nightclub with some close friends, and he and Kate have been displaying more public displays of affection than ever before.
According to the first source, "William and Kate were informed that they can express more affection in public if they feel inclined to do so." This explains why they have been kissing, holding hands, and even discreetly touching each other's behinds while out and about. Ultimately, all their actions are done in service to the monarchy.
"After the queen's demise, Kate and William redirected their sorrow of losing her towards paying tribute to her enduring legacy," reveals an insider. "They are prepared to embark on a fresh path."
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