Kate Saving the Monarchy

The floundering royal family puts Princess Kate in charge of turning their image around - and the future queen has some shocking plans

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In her more than 14 years as a member of the royal family, the engagement was one of her most personal. Princess Kate walked through the front entrance of London's Royal Marsden Hospital on Jan. 14 — joking that it was “quite nice” not to have to sneak in after “so many quiet visits” in “secrecy” during her cancer treatments last year — then revealed that she is in remission as she doled out hugs and well-wishes to the patients and thanked the staff, staying longer than initially planned. And while Kate and her husband, Prince William, had just been named joint patrons of the center, a palace aide emphasized that she came to “reflect on her own personal journey,” not necessarily as part of her official duties. Kate reiterated that sentiment in a message of her own later. “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal,” she wrote on Instagram. “I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to.”

NEW RULES - "Kate has always been very pragmatic, reminding William that the country, and the world, was judging his every move," says an insider. And with public sentiment turning against the royals, "she's reminding the rest of the family that they need to do things differently."

And much to do. “Now that she’s back on her feet, arguably better and stronger than ever, the royals have made the strategic choice to make Kate the face of the family for the foreseeable future,” says a source, citing King Charles III’s ailing health as well as the many scandals that have rocked the Firm in the past few months. “Charles, William and even Camilla know Kate is their last chance to save the monarchy. She’s almost universally beloved and has a lot of ideas for positive change. She’s ready to take charge.”