Kate Middleton is a “matriarch” who “guides the family”, says Prince William’s former private secretary

The former private secretary also detailed how Kate will take on her role as Princess of Wales

Kate Middleton is a “matriarch” who “guides the family”, says Prince William’s former private secretary
(Image credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage/Future)

Kate Middleton  has been dubbed the 'matriarch' of her family, with Prince William's former private secretary pointing out how she has modernised her role within The Firm

Kate Middleton, while also being a mother to her three young children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, has reportedly stepped up to fill the role of the family's matriarch since the passing of the Queen, who died on the 8th of September at the age of 96.

Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who was the private secretary to Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince Harry from 2005 to 2013, has said Kate Middleton is a “matriarch” and that she “guides the family”.

He also added that he believes Kate will take on her Princess of Wales title with “humility”.

Speaking to People, Lowther-Pinkerton said, “She is a matriarch. Not in the sense of an older woman in a twin set and pearls, but she guides the family and advises [Prince William] when he wants it.”

Kate Middleton and Prince William

(Image credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Speaking about Kate taking on the new title of Princess of Wales, Lowther-Pinkerton detailed, “She will do so with humility and by acknowledging the past but in her own way.”

A palace source echoed his sentiment, telling The Guardian, "The new Princess of Wales appreciates the history associated with this role," which was last held by William’s mother Princess Diana, who died in 1997, "but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path."

Royal experts believe that Kate will use her new role to hone in on her already keen interest in the early childhood years. 

"Kate has been increasingly hands-on and has shown a particular interest in early-years development, so I imagine she would like her legacy to show that she made a difference in that area," Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal commentator, told The Guardian. 

Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis

(Image credit: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

Kate and William took on their new titles just days after Queen Elizabeth II’s death as King Charles III ascended the throne and gifted the title's to the pair in his first speech as monarch.

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Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse
Royal News and Entertainment writer

Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse is royal news and entertainment writer for Goodto.com. She began her freelance journalism career after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with an MA in Magazine Journalism, receiving an NCTJ diploma, and earning a First Class BA (Hons) in Journalism at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. She has also worked with BBC Good Food and The Independent.