The Princess of Wales is playing a critical role supporting the royal family during a period of "unprecedented turbulence" for the royal family, insiders have revealed.
Kate, 44, was an "impeccable" representation of the Crown during her visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy, last week on her first official trip abroad since her cancer diagnosis in 2024.
The Princess was met with excited crowds, including at the Piazza Prampolini, where around 3,000 people gathered to welcome her.
Catherine Mayer, author of Divide and Rule, told PEOPLE Magazine that the Princess is making the ship look "steady" during a period of "unprecedented turbulence" for the royal family, adding that without her and Prince William, there is "no institution".
Meanwhile, one of the Princess's close friends added that she is "an impeccable force for good, a fantastic standard-bearer – not just for the royal family but for the country".
The visit marked some much-needed good news for the family, who have been dealing with the fallout from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest in February, with members of the Firm being repeatedly heckled on royal engagements.
King Charles has increasingly slimmed down the monarchy, with the presence of the younger royals reducing following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's move to the US.
Kate's spectacular visit to Italy
The Princess of Wales also made a two-day visit to Reggio Emilia in Italy last week for her work on early childhood, marking her first return to international trips abroad since her cancer diagnosis in 2024.
HELLO!'s royal editor, Emily Nash, joined Kate on the trip, witnessing her incredible comeback to travel first-hand.
© Getty ImagesDuring her time abroad, the royal mother-of-three made pasta, practised her Italian and even asked young schoolchildren for a language lesson.
Afterwards, she shared a message to social media, reflecting on her "unforgettable" time in northern Italy.
It read: "Over the past two days in Reggio Emilia, I have seen first-hand the power of nature and creativity that put human connection at the centre of a child’s world.
"I have had such a deeply moving and unforgettable time here. Thank you to the people of Reggio Emilia for welcoming me into a culture of care with such warmth and generosity."
© WireImagePrince William's wife added: "Our collective work in early childhood must be to protect and nurture the connections that form the foundations of lifelong wellbeing. Grazie di cuore, C."
In English, her sign-off translated to, "Thank you from the heart".
More tensions for the royals
It comes as new details are unveiled as part of a trove of files relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's appointment to his trade envoy position, which gave him access to senior government and business contacts around the world.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesKing Charles's younger brother became the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment in 2001, but stepped down 10 years later amid the furore over his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The newly released documents show that the late Queen was "very keen" for Andrew to take on a "prominent role" promoting UK interests.
In a memo to then-foreign secretary Robin Cook, senior official Sir David Wright said the monarch’s "wish" had been for the then-Duke of York to succeed her cousin, the Duke of Kent, in the job.
