It’s no secret that the Royal Family’s public perception has taken a serious hit. What with the rumors of bullying toward Meghan Markle, and the scandals involving Prince Andrew — the Windsors have been bloodied and bruised.
But despite the negative press and talks of dissension, there’s still hope for those who long for the glory days of Great Britain’s most-beloved family. It comes in the form of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, whom experts now believe may be the Royal Family’s last hope .
RELATED STORIES
Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic shift in popular opinion pertaining to the monarchy.
Although it’s true that Britons have always been in favor of the Royal Family, their popularity has been on a steady decline — from 75% overall approval in 2012, down to 62% today.
The numbers are even more ambiguous when we examine the youth vote/demographics.
Roughly 56% of Britons aged 25 to 49 answered in favor of a monarchy, while 26% opted for an elected head of state. The results among citizens aged 18 to 24 show that the sentiment for/against is nearly tied; 33% and 31% respectively .
Many now believe that there is only one person who can help save the monarchy and restore the House of Windsor to past glory.
According to expert Patrick Jephson, that person is none other than Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge — aka Kate Middleton.
Patrick Jephson is a consultant, as well as the author of the ‘The New York Times” best-selling book — “Shadows Of A Princess.”
From the late ’80s and into the mid-’90s, Patrick worked for the Royal Family as the chief of staff for Princess Diana .
During an interview with ‘The Post’, Jephson explained how the next chapter in the Royal Family’s history would be written by Catherine.
“As the Prince Andrew scandal shows, the monarchy is in desperate need of reassuringly conventional royal performers,” Jephson said.
“Catherine is just what these troubled royal times need — it’s no exaggeration that the Windsors’ future lies in her hands,” Jephson stated.
Earlier this year, Prince Andrew settled a US civil sexual assault case after it was alleged that he engaged in sexual activities with a minor , who was trafficked by the late Jeffrey Epstein for sex.
Catherine finds herself in a precarious pressure cooker of a situation, but Jephson believes she is fit to carry the onus of responsibility.
“It helps that Catherine, like Diana, has that indefinable but essential royal quality: presence. She has the bearing, the gravitas, the regal factor that already sets her apart from other royal women as a future queen,” he said.
Catherine also understands that the monarchy, unlike politics or business, is a long game.
Jephson is quick to point out that royalty is for life. There are no time restrictions or limitations like those of public office, and therefore members must deploy a different kind of strategy to win over public opinion.
The Duchess’ knowledge of such matters can be viewed through her three most-recent portraits.
” Royalty is symbolism and theater — constitutionally, that’s its function,” Jephson explained. Therefore, a royal portrait must imbue the beholder at first glance, and at its millionth glance.
If you look closely at Catherine’s portraits, you’ll notice that she is making a subtle allusion to the past.
Catherine can be seen wearing the same sapphire and diamond engagement ring that was once owned by William’s mother, Princess Diana.
Another important aspect to take note of is that Catherine isn’t wearing a royal sash or a tiara.
” She’s still saving something for later ,” fashion director of The UK Daily Telegraph , Bethan Holt, explained to The Post. By keeping Diana’s memory alive, Duchess Catherine is holding on firmly to the past, while subtly implying the greatness of all that’s still to come.
