By Molly Claire Goddard
9:04am PST, Jan 16, 2026
_
According to royal journalist
Katie Nicholl, Kate Middleton's life has been leading up to her upcoming position within The Firm. "I've covered
Prince William and Catherine's relationship since they met at St. Andrews [University] and, you know, nearly 20 years ago," she told
The Sun. "I think when you look back on Catherine and how she conducted herself then it is almost as if she was born to do this role."
_
When Kate Middleton officially becomes queen, the people of Britain will be her and
Prince William's top priority. "She's full of heart. I think she'll be a queen who really listens, who leans in, who's very aware of what's going on," royal podcaster
Giovanna Fletcher told
The Times. "I don't feel like it's 'us versus them.' We have to work together as a society to make that change happen and I think they get it. They understand things. And so, for that reason, I think it will be a welcome change."
_
Royal biographer
Sally Bedell Smith told
People about Kate Middleton, "She projected the confidence of someone who has enthusiastically reconnected with her public duties."
_
Prince William publicly committed to updating the monarchy for modern times. "I think it's safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good, and I embrace that, I enjoy that
," he said during an appearance on
Eugene Levy's Apple TV+ series
The Reluctant Traveler. "I don't fear it, that's the bit that excites me — the idea of being able to bring some change. Not overly radical, but changes that I think need to happen."
_
With Kate Middleton and
Prince William at the helm, The Firm's impractical traditions and practices will likely subside. "There are points when you look at tradition and go, 'Is that still fit for purpose today? Is that still the right thing to do? Are we still doing and having the most impact we could be having?' So, I like to question things, is what I'm really getting at," the Prince of Wales said.