As the calendar turns to 2026, the Prince and Princess of Wales are poised for a year of profound personal and professional transformation, a stark contrast to the challenges that defined the start of 2025.
A New Chapter After a 'Brutal' Period
The past year for Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, was dominated by a 'brutal' period of navigating her cancer diagnosis and treatment, while also supporting King Charles III through his own health battle. Thankfully, the dawn of 2026 finds the family in a far brighter place. Kate is now in remission, a status she revealed in early 2025, and the family has recently settled into their new Windsor home, Forest Lodge.
This year also brings significant family milestones: the couple will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary in April, and their eldest son, Prince George, will turn 13 in July, heralding his teenage years and a major shift in the family dynamic as he prepares for secondary school.
Forging a Modern Monarchy: Relevance and a New Direction
Professionally, William and Catherine are signalling a bold new direction for their royal roles, with a keen focus on ensuring the monarchy's relevance in the 21st century. This ambition was underscored by Prince William's unprecedented conversation with actor Eugene Levy on The Reluctant Traveller, where he openly discussed his desire for change.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond emphasises that laying the foundations for the future is key to their work as Prince and Princess of Wales. "They both have causes and campaigns that they care about deeply," Bond notes, highlighting their focus on social issues like homelessness, mental health, and early years education as vital tools for maintaining public connection.
A cornerstone of their modernising strategy is a more personal and direct use of social media. This year has seen them share:
- An incredibly rare public message from William expressing pride and love for Kate during her recovery.
- Kate's own remission announcement via a heartfelt video.
- More intimate behind-the-scenes footage of their children's birthday portraits.
- Powerful content like William's emotional video on male suicide prevention for World Mental Health Day.
- Kate's Mother Nature video series, sharing personal reflections on the outdoors.
This approach has resonated powerfully, with a pre-banquet photo of Kate in a gold gown during the US state visit amassing over 1.3 million likes on Instagram. Bond believes this strategy will continue for its unparalleled reach, particularly among younger audiences.
Family First: Navigating a Teenager and a Tight-Knit Unit
While their public role evolves, a seismic shift awaits at home. The Wales's tight-knit family bubble, with all three children as day pupils at Lambrook School near Windsor, is set to change. Prince George will begin secondary education in September 2026, with Eton College and Marlborough College considered top contenders. This move may involve boarding, representing a significant adjustment for the whole family.
"I think the biggest event for them as a family is that they will suddenly have a teenager in their midst," observes Jennie Bond. "And that’s going to take a fair bit of readjustment for them all." This commitment to family-first has been clearly demonstrated, notably when the couple skipped the traditional Windsor Easter service last year to prioritise private time together, with the King's full support.
Amidst these personal changes, William has also stood firmly behind his father, King Charles, in handling the scandals surrounding Prince Andrew, supporting the decision to strip him of his remaining royal titles.
Looking ahead, if health prevails and stability continues, 2026 offers the Wales family much to celebrate. As Bond concludes, a quiet year focused on recovery, family, and their evolving roles could culminate in a joyous celebration of their crystal wedding anniversary, marking both a personal milestone and a new, confident chapter for the future of the monarchy.
