William And Kate Step Up As Future King And Queen

Royal experts tell Ok! The duke and duchess of Cambridge are gearing up for more responsibility

- Kat Romero

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appeared completely at home as they carried out their first diplomatic duty at Buckingham Palace since the start of lockdown. The royal couple, both 38, warmly welcomed President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, 42, and his wife Olena, also 42, to the palace, with both couples abiding by social distancing measures by sitting apart.

Kate stood out in a blue Emilia Wickstead midi dress accessorised with nude heels and a sapphire and diamond necklace with matching drop earrings – thought to have once belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales.

Kate and William held the audience on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, 94, who is doing limited engagements as she is staying at Windsor Castle. And royal expert Katie Nicholl believes this is a sure sign that the monarch is confident to hand over the reins.

Katie tells OK!, “Kate and William carrying out these engagements says a lot about their position in the family. The Queen is only going to Buckingham Palace when it’s completely necessary. What we’re seeing is William and Kate stepping up in an official capacity as the future king and queen and taking on even greater responsibility. They’re stepping up for the sake of Her Majesty and I believe this is a sign of things to come. I believe she’s more than happy to hand over the reins and they’re doing a fantastic job. This shows a great deal of trust that the Queen has in William and Kate.”