Kate and Prince William have emerged as crucial members of the Royal Family in 2020, during which they stepped up to the plate and led the Royal Family in its unexpected work-from-home setting. While remaining in touch only via phone and video calls with their charities and patronages may have presented a few issues, the national lockdowns have given Kate and William the chance to spend more time together and strengthen their relationship, according to an expert.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward said: “2020 was a big year for William and Kate.
“They emerged from it more popular than ever, but it was also important for them as a private couple.
“With such busy diaries, they don’t actually get much time together and this has been an exceptional year.
“The lockdown has meant they’ve had more time together and this has brought them closer together.
“The lockdown has been challenging at times but for Kate, it’s given her the gift of more time with her husband.
“When you look at them as a couple, they look really happy together.”
The Duchess, Ms Seward added, is visibly content after a successful year for her household.
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Speaking to Vanity Fair, the author said: “You can see Kate’s happy.
“Everything she does, she does with a smile and that’s not something you can fake.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are believed to be spending the third-national lockdown at Anmer Hall.
Following the closure of schools by the Government, the couple are also homeschooling their two eldest children – George and Charlotte.
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Despite being at home, Kate and Prince William remain committed to supporting causes close to their hearts and are resuming video conference calls – similar to the way they did between March and July – in lieu of face-to-face visits.
A palace source told the magazine: “It will be back to mostly virtual events for the next couple of months.”
Ms Seward, who said the Cambridges have been pivotal in lifting the country’s morale over the past few months, added: “They will be visible, they have to be and there’s a lot to do.
“They’ll be relied upon to lift the nation’s spirits and Kate and William have proved they are very good at doing that.”
Last week, Prince William renewed his and Kate’s support to frontline workers in a video call with staff members at Homerton University Hospital.
The Duke of Cambridge listened to the NHS workers describing some of the challenges they have been facing since the pandemic began and how this new wave of infection compares to the first one.
He then expressed his utmost admiration for their work, saying: “You’re all in my thoughts and Catherine and I, and all of the children, talk about all of you guys every day.
“We’re making sure the children understand the sacrifices that all of you are making.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have dedicated much of last year to support NHS and key workers and their mental wellbeing.
In April, they backed the launch of Our Frontline, a 24/7 online platform providing help to people struggling with their mental health.
In December, they toured the country to thank key workers and hear about their experiences on the frontline.
During the Royal Train Tour, as a testament to their support to the NHS, it was revealed they had become joint patrons of NHS Charities Together.
