The Princess of Wales, often lauded for her popularity, has also faced criticism for her reserved demeanor and adherence to the “never complain, never explain” philosophy championed by the late Queen. In a controversial portrayal, Omid Scobie, the biographer known for his work on the Sussexes, described her in his 2023 book “Endgame” as a “Stepford-like royal wife” with a “cold” persona. According to Scobie, Kate has conformed to the traditional “princess” role without challenging the status quo with public struggles or ambitious pursuits.

Throughout her royal journey, Kate has often been compared to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. However, as she marks her 44th birthday, her distinct legacy is becoming increasingly evident. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams suggests that Kate’s path diverges significantly from Diana’s, emphasizing that while Diana was known for her outreach and emotional struggles, Kate’s legacy will be defined by her unwavering loyalty to both her husband and the monarchy. Fitzwilliams highlights that such differences render direct comparisons between the two women inappropriate.

Beyond her royal duties, Kate has also been recognized for her influence in the fashion world, crowned by Vogue as an “eternal influencer” for her impeccable style. Her public life has recently seen a resurgence, as royal commentator Fitzwilliams notes her increased public engagements following her cancer remission. According to data from the Court Circular, Kate participated in 68 public engagements after announcing her remission during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where she had received treatment. Her focus for the future, particularly in 2025, includes advancing her “life’s work” in early childhood development through her Centre for Early Childhood, a project she launched in 2021 to champion this critical cause.

In November 2025, the Princess delivered her first public speech in nearly two years when she addressed the centre’s first-of-its-kind Future Workforce Summit in London – as she called on business leaders to support children and their families. Mr Fitzwilliams said royal fans can expect to see Kate at even more ‘high-profile’ engagements that support the cause when she becomes Queen. ‘She has said that her work on early childhood is her “life’s work”. Expect this to be a project she will continue to support when she is Queen, just as Charles has with inter-religious understanding and the environment,’ he explained. ‘She has founded the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood and given it an extremely high profile.’

The royal commentator also noted that Kate, like William, was seemingly choosing fewer projects to sink her teeth into – rather than performing cursory duties for a wider variety of causes. That’s not to say that Kate doesn’t understand – or want to uphold – the traditions of the Royal Family. In a dazzling display of pomp and pageantry, Kate joined the King, Queen Camilla, and her husband Prince William at a Windsor Castle state banquet for the German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier in December.

Mr Fitzwilliams separately elaborated: ‘She is regal yet also has a contemporary look, her fashion choices are iconic and she will be known as one who was fashionable and famous, but in a relatable way. One of her most important jobs when Prince William becomes King will be revamping the Royal Family’s reputation for a new generation of Britons – in part due to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s defection. ‘Partly owing to the antics of the Sussexes, a majority of young people currently favour a republic. ‘However the same group shows poll ratings of 70-75 per cent for Catherine, and I believe her legacy will include changing the attitudes of many of this pivotal group.’

As a staunch advocate for mental health and wellness, Kate could help shift the narrative of ‘work-life balance’ that resonates with millennials and Gen Z. In another moving video released in September that year, the Princess said her focus was to remain cancer-free while making a gradual and ‘measured’ return to public life. The poignant video underscored another key part of what Mr Fitzwilliams believes will become Kate’s legacy – a prioritisation of work-life balance while carrying out ‘one of the world’s most demanding jobs’. Rare, intimate footage of the Wales family on holiday in Norfolk played as Kate told viewers how her cancer journey has ‘reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life…of simply loving and being loved’.

Mr Fitzwilliams said this showed how ‘one of Kate’s legacies is certain to be as someone who, together with William, prioritised a work-life balance successfully’. He continued: ‘She together with William, brought up three children, ensuring they were shielded, save on special occasions, from the glare of the international media in an age of social media. This will have been a challenge. As for Mr Scobie’s ‘Stepford wife’ jibe, today it only shows just how far Kate has come.