As the new year approaches, royal watchers and experts are offering predictions about what lies ahead for the monarchy. One former royal staff member believes Prince William and Princess Kate are set to take on an even more central role in 2026.

Prince William and Princess Kate’s Growing Role

Speaking to the Independent, former royal butler Grant Harrold shared his view that the Prince and Princess of Wales are increasingly stepping into leadership positions within the royal family.

“William and Catherine are very much taking the lead these days,” he said. “I think going into next year, William and Catherine’s roles are going to become more poignant. I think they are going to do more duties, I think we’re going to see them more as a family.”

Harrold went on to explain that the couple appear keen to present a clear image of continuity and stability. “I think what they’re trying to show the world is, ‘This is the future of the monarchy.’ That family are very close, obviously. That’s what they’re trying to show everybody is that this is the future. I think supporting his father and stepmother is very important to [William]. I think that’s what 2026 is very much going to be.”

Turning his attention to King Charles, whom he served as a butler from 2004 to 2011, Harrold suggested the monarch has no intention of slowing down.

“The king seems to be very keen on getting on with the job,” he said. “I think next year, his schedule looks pretty full as well. We’ll see them over Christmas, then there’s a period where everything goes quiet into January. Then once that period has passed, we’ll see them getting into full swing for the royal year.”

The Wales Children as the Future

Harrold also shared his thoughts on Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, describing them as “very much the future.”

He noted that Prince George is “doing more and more,” which is helping him become “used to his role.” At the same time, Harrold believes Prince William is mindful of balancing royal awareness with everyday life, making his children conscious of the modern world, including social media, while still aiming to give them as normal an upbringing as possible.

Astrological Predictions for 2026

Elsewhere, celebrity astrologer Inbaal Honigman offered her own predictions for the royal family in the year ahead while speaking to Tarotoo.

She suggested Prince William is facing a “busy, rewarding year that he will share with his nearest and dearest,” adding that he may be “run off his feet.”

As for Princess Kate, Inbaal said, “Princess Catherine is wisely incorporating more rest into her schedule. Even with her decision to take things easier, her social calendar will still be relatively full, though not all appearances will be in person.” This follows a year of recovery for Kate after her cancer diagnosis in 2024.

What Lies Ahead for the Rest of the Royals

Looking further ahead, Inbaal predicted that family time will be a “priority” for King Charles in 2026, while Queen Camilla could undertake several trips.

Regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the US, she believes the Duke of Sussex may “reach out to family during the year and be willing to discuss joint appearances.” She also suggested Meghan could step back from her television projects to focus more on time with loved ones.

With so many predictions in the air, royal fans will be watching closely to see how 2026 unfolds. Hopefully, it will be a positive and steady year for the royal family.