KATE Middleton is “stepping into” Prince Philip’s role as the “glue” to help “resolve family issues,” a royal commentator has claimed.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 39, is said to be “stepping into” the “peacemaker” role left behind by Prince Philip, according to Vanity Fair royal editor Katie Nicholl.
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Appearing on 60 Minutes Australia, the show’s host Tom Steinfort said: “Kate’s standing in the Royal Family has now come so far that many believe she is their biggest asset.”
Ms Nicholl replied: “I think Kate is the glue. In the same way that the Duke of Edinburgh was always the one who would help resolve family issues.
“He was the patriarch of the family.”
She added: “I see Kate stepping into that role. Trying to keep things together.”
The comments come after royal watchers said Kate was playing the part of the “peacemaker” between the brothers Prince William and Prince Harry during the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral.
Tensions were said to be running high due to the fallout over Harry and Meghan Markle’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Among the claims made Harry and wife Meghan said a member of the Royal Family had questioned the colour of Archie’s skin before he was born.
After the emotional service, Harry was seen talking with William and the Duchess of Cambridge as the group left the moving funeral.
William has previously called his wife the “peacemaker” between the brothers – and today Kate stepped back to allow the pair to speak.
A royal source said at the time of the funeral: “It looked like a conciliatory move by William to wait for Harry and allow him to catch up and chat to him and Kate. That could be a significant moment.
“Harry appeared grateful for the opportunity, and Kate seemed to make a point of letting the brothers walk alone together, having briefly chatted to Harry as well.
“They have a lot to iron out and you would hope they continued their conversation back at Windsor Castle.
“It was only a few minutes in front of the cameras but it was warm and cordial. It appeared Charles paused and looked back to his sons together.
“It is believed they have spoken on the phone since Harry flew back to the UK. They have so much to speak about.
“Funerals have the ability to bring people together and I am sure that it would have warmed the heart of Prince Philip, if he could have seen that brief coming together.”
The decision for the family to walk back to the castle and forgo the state cars waiting for them is thought to have been made on the spur of the moment.
The brothers walked together for several minutes, moments after watching their grandfather’s coffin lowered into the vault in emotional scenes at St George’s Chapel.
