After a tough year and making memorable appearances at big events, the Princess of Wales is now stepping back from the spotlight for the rest of the year.

She’s staying incredibly calm, already thinking about the future, and making plans for what’s to come. People close to the palace say that the princess is preparing herself for her future role as Queen.

To not only survive but also thrive in the royal family, one has to be extremely strong. The strict hierarchy in the palace can be intimidating, but Kate’s confidence shines through.

She knows that one day she will be the most important woman in the family and the entire country, so she’s making sure her voice is heard and that she deserves this role.

The latest Ipsos poll has unveiled the UK’s most popular royal family member, and on the other side of the scale, those who are liked the least. All hail future Queen Catherine! She’s topped the charts, which is hardly surprising, with 66% of Britons holding a favorable opinion of her. In a promising sign for the monarchy’s future, her husband, Prince William—first in line to the throne—follows closely behind with a 65% popularity rating. Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, comes in third place with a 62% score.

Elsewhere, the UK population is relatively happy with King Charles III’s reign after he took over as monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. More than half of those surveyed believe Charles is doing a good job as king, while the royal family in general holds a pleasant rating, with 53% of locals viewing them positively.

In a year that has tested the royal family like no other, Princess Kate has emerged as a star of the firm. Her rare public appearances only magnify how vital her role has become. Recently, she made her third appearance since revealing her cancer diagnosis, attending a service at Crathie Kirk Church on the Balmoral estate. The depth of her importance to the monarchy could not be more evident when she steps into the public eye.

The royal family shines with a light that is otherwise dimmed. She’s the Taylor Swift, the Madonna, the Kylie, the Britney of high society—without her, the royal family simply fades into the background. Her first public appearance since the cancer diagnosis was at Trooping the Colour in June, where she joined the royal family on Buckingham Palace’s famous balcony. This was followed by a Wimbledon appearance in July, where she brought her daughter, Princess Charlotte, and her sister, Pippa Matthews, along.

Each sighting was a reminder of the princess’s star power—a much-needed brightness in a year clouded by uncertainty. In her struggles, Catherine has drawn even closer to the public, who see her as a reflection of their own fears and hopes. The nation’s collective concern for her well-being is a testament to the deep bond she has forged with the people of this country over the years—one that cannot be easily broken. Megan, take note.

In the coming weeks and months, Catherine will work closely with her top team, namely her private secretary Tom White and assistant private secretary Natalie Barrows, to meticulously plan her gradual return to public life. She is hopeful that she could attend her *Together at Christmas* carol service at Westminster Abbey in December and join the family for the traditional walkabout on Christmas Day.

A source close to the royals said the princess is keen to uphold the tradition with her family again this year, alongside other causes, issues, and charities that are closest to her heart. The new year is set to follow a similar gradual return to royal duties, with her aides being mindful not to rush a full resumption of her royal diary.

Some have suggested that a six-month mark is a likely timeframe for when the public can expect to see Catherine attending more day-to-day engagements. One well-placed source said the couple hasn’t ruled out rescheduling their visit to Rome, initially planned for spring 2024 but postponed following the princess’s cancer diagnosis, to a similar time next year.