Kate Middleton may have retrieved from the spotlight within the past year, but that doesn’t mean her impact hasn’t been felt by the royals.
The Princess of Wales, who is celebrating her 43rd birthday Thursday, is known to play the peacemaker when her husband, Prince William, has disagreements with his father, King Charles.
“King Charles is extremely fond and proud of his daughter-in-law,” royal broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News.
“I believe he is one of her biggest fans. They share similar passions, and he recognizes her wow factor, empathy and resilience. She is solution-focused and is certainly the glue between Prince William and King Charles III.”
“Father and son don’t always see eye to eye,” Chard added.
Chard’s comments echo that of royal author Robert Jobson’s, who previously claimed in his book “Catherine, the Princess of Wales” that the father-son duo furiously clashed over the safety of the royal family flying in a helicopter.
Jobson, previously claimed that Charles “raised concerns” with the Prince of Wales, 42, over his helicopter use with Middleton and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — resulting in a heated exchange between the pair.
The royal author praised William’s wife for having a “stabilizing influence” on her husband, specifically when it comes to his relationship with his cancer-stricken father.
A source told Jobson that the Princess of Wales “is somebody who always tries to see both sides of any dispute,” adding that Middleton is the “emotionally mature” one of the two.
“I think the [king] understands Catherine is a good influence on the entire family. He loves and truly appreciates everything she does,” a palace source told the author.
Elsewhere, royal author Christopher Andersen told Fox News that the mom of three has always been “tough-minded” and “a realist.”
“Because of their shared cancer battle, Kate and the king have strengthened their bond in ways neither could have imagined,” he told the outlet.
“King Charles was so impressed with her grace and grit that he bestowed a singular honor on Kate, making her a Royal Companion of Honour, an unmistakable sign of his faith in her ability to help carry the monarchy forward.”
“But beyond that, the king is not about to be giving Kate advice about being a future queen,” he went on. “That would simply give oxygen to the notion that he might not be around much longer, and Charles III intends to stay put on the throne for years to come.
“For much of the same reason, Camilla has not felt compelled to speak with Kate about what it’s like to be queen. While Charles is fond of Kate, the best that can be said about the current queen and the next one is that they have a grudging respect for each other,” Anderson added.
As Charles continues undergoing cancer treatment, it’s reported that William has begun “seizing” more power from his cancer-stricken father as he nears his ascension to the throne.
William, who is next in line to become king, is said to be putting his foot down on several key decisions about the Firm’s long-term future.
Among those, is reportedly declaring that his estranged brother, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle, are personae non gratae. The same goes for his scandal-scarred uncle, Prince Andrew.
