The Princess Kate and Prince William recently unveiled plans to dedicate at least one engagement each month throughout 2026 to celebrating British excellence

Princess Kate has been tipped to become a “queen who listens” by Giovanna Fletcher, who hosted the royal on her podcast.

Mrs Fletcher held a candid conversation with Kate during an episode of Happy Mum Happy Baby in 2020.

 

She told the Times regarding the Princess of Wales: She’s full of heart. I think she’ll be a queen who really listens, who leans in, who’s very aware of what’s going on — like the King with the King’s Trust.

“I think [the Prince and Princess of Wales] are going into it with their eyes completely open.

“We have to work together as a society to make that change happen [and] I think they get it. They understand things. And so, for that reason, I think it will be a welcome change.”

Kate Middleton

Princess Kate has been tipped to become a “queen who listens” by Giovanna Fletcher, who hosted the royal on her podcast.

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It comes as Princess Kate and Prince William recently unveiled plans to dedicate at least one engagement each month throughout 2026 to celebrating British excellence, from thriving businesses to overlooked community champions.

A palace source confirmed the couple’s intentions: “It’s really important for the Prince and Princess of Wales to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the UK. There will be a real emphasis in 2026 on showcasing some of the best of Britain.”

The Princess of Wales has focused on Britain’s creative industries and manufacturing heritage during recent royal engagements.

In September, she toured textile producers across Suffolk and Kent, with Kensington Palace describing the visits as a celebration of the British textile industry’s rich history and the satisfaction found in creative work.

She subsequently wore a scarf from Sudbury Silk Mills at the US state visit to Windsor.

Kate Middleton

The Princess of Wales has focused on Britain’s creative industries and manufacturing heritage during recent royal engagements.

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The following month, the couple travelled to Northern Ireland, where they explored traditional linen-making at a flax farm and visited a family cider orchard.

This new emphasis on British excellence will sit alongside the couple’s established charitable priorities.

The prince has long championed environmental causes through his Earthshot Prize and is working to demonstrate that homelessness can be eliminated through his Homewards initiative.

Kate, meanwhile, continues her advocacy for early childhood development through her dedicated centre.

Kate Middleton

The Princess of Wales has also increasingly spoken about the value of nature, human connection and face-to-face interaction over screen time.

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Both have jointly promoted mental health awareness in recent years.

The Princess of Wales has also increasingly spoken about the value of nature, human connection and face-to-face interaction over screen time.

The royal couple are expected to begin issuing their own royal warrants from spring 2026, following the King and Queen, who have already granted theirs for the new reign.

King Charles has been a prominent advocate for heritage crafts, with his King’s Foundation training young people in traditional arts, crafts, farming and architecture. He also serves as a longstanding patron of the Campaign for Wool.