The choirboys sang, the abbey bells bonged, and for a fleeting, final moment everything was just as it used to be. The “Fab Four” – William, Kate, Harry and Meghan – were back together in the presence of Queen Elizabeth for a service of splendour and pageantry that also provided a timely reminder of the monarchy’s enduring power.
Commonwealth Day, on March 9, is a precious one to the 93-year-old Queen, and she wasn’t going to have it spoiled by any unpleasantness over the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to give up their official duties. Yet the abrupt departure of Harry and Meghan has forced the royal family to radically rethink its future plans and the roles of its senior members.
The key player in this reshaped order is Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, whose fast-rising profile is only partly down to the void left by the Sussexes. Never showy, and unflappable by nature, Kate has no desire to be a Meghan-style flashbulb magnet, but after almost a decade as William’s wife understands what is required of a queen-in-waiting.
A new, more outgoing and assertive Kate is emerging, buoyed by discreet Buckingham Palace briefings about her readiness to have a bigger public presence. Courtiers who once privately fretted that the 38-year-old commoner was “too bland” for the royal big league, are now full of praise. The signs of change are unmissable – from Kate opening up about her personal life to sporting a new hairdo on a trip to Ireland – and they certainly haven’t been missed by the Queen.
“While efforts have previously been ploughed into building up the status of William,” says royal author Camilla Tominey, “an even more compelling project is now in progress – the advent of Queen Catherine.”
This story is from the April 2020 edition of Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2020 edition of Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Spotlight on Vitamin D
Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, but safe sun exposure is still essential.
Coming up roses
Driven by a renewed interest in the flower’s power, a rose renaissance is dawning.
'I was given a 5% chance of survival'
When Caroline Laner Breure was hit by a car in an horrific accident on a Spanish holiday with her boyfriend, her body and her dreams were shattered. Somehow she found the will to go on living.
Time to celebrate our mothers
Author Kathy Lette gives a heartfelt thank you to her magnificent mum, Val - a baker of fairy cakes with the patience of a saint.
"I am lucky to be here" ”
Since the day she walked onto the MasterChef Australia set back in 2009, Julie Goodwin has openly shared her life. But in writing a memoir, she had to examine the demons she'd battled privately... until now.
JAMIE OLIVER at your service
Returning to the set of MasterChef Australia to help steer a path through grief and spread happiness, the celebrity chef is also at a turning point - he opens up about failure, love, second chances and his endless reservoir of joie de vivre.
From one mum to another
Princess Catherine's public announcement struck a chord with mum-of-two Jane Gillard. She shares her story of parenting through cancer- and offers hope for the princess and mums navigating their own health journey while raising primary-aged kids.
The courage of Princess Catherine "You are„, not alone"
It was a rare personal address that she shouldn’t have had to make. But with conspiracy theories swirling and the slimmed-down “Firm” under fire, Princess Catherine silenced critics with searing courage and dignity.
THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE
When Tracy Hall fell for Max Tavita, she fell for a mirage. Max was a false identity created by a con man, and Tracy was the latest in a long line of women whose life savings hed stolen.
Amother's GIFT
In December last year, Australia’s first uterus transplant recipient, Kirsty Bryant, gave birth to Henry, a happy, healthy baby boy. The uterus that had made this little miracle possible had been donated by her mother, Michelle. Five months later, their first Mother’s Day since Henry’s birth feels especially precious.
