Kate Middleton’s ultimate ‘Christmas power move’ after Meghan Markle book bombshell – and the popstar helping her
THE Royal Family has been hit with a tirade of bombshells thanks to Omid Scobie’s new book – but the Princess of Wales popularity shows no signs of waning after she played the ultimate “Christmas power move”.
While King Charles will do his second King’s Speech on Christmas Day, Kate Middleton once again has the prime Christmas Eve slot for her festive Carol service – and she’s joined by several singing sensations including Beverley Knight.
According to PR and marketing guru Andrew Bloch, this is “evidence of her appeal” and also shows she is “positioning herself as a key royal family member and future Queen”.
While the service is recorded on December 8, it will air on ITV on December 24.
Andrew said: “What Kate has done brilliantly is elevating her status and position within the broader royal family brand.
“Having a slot on Christmas Eve, it’s evidence of her appeal.
“If ITV didn’t think there would be any audience interest in that, they wouldn’t give her that slot which is a prime time slot over the Christmas period.
“Not necessarily consciously a power move, but she is positioning herself as a key member of the royal family and developing a brand in her own right.
“Through her activities over the course of the last few years, she’s really started to win a place in the nation’s hearts.
“We’ve got to know her, not just as Prince William’s wife but as the Princess of Wales and as a personality in her own right.”
Andrew claims that appearances like the Christmas Eve service will go in Kate’s favour, saying: “No doubt having this audience is going to lead to an increase in popularity and everything she does elevates her brand, but it’s done in a very natural way, it isn’t forced.
“She’s genuinely empathic and authentic and I think people are getting to know her better and they like it.
“She’s shown great leadership, humanity, humility, humour, dignity, grace, all the characteristics that make for a great royal – she’s displaying them in bucket loads.”
In a promotional photo for the 2023 service, Kate beamed next to a Christmas tree in a Holland Cooper’s Fairisle Knit sweater, which we’ve seen on her before.
What Kate has done brilliantly is elevating her status and position within the broader royal family brand
Andrew Block
Last year, the service was dedicated to the legacy of the late Queen, who passed away in September 2022, and the year before – when Kate first hosted – it honoured those “who have stepped up to support their communities through the pandemic.”
We even saw Kate play the piano at the 2021 service, accompanied by pop star Tom Walker.
This year’s service will thank those who support babies, young children and families across the UK.
The world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir will perform popular carols, and there will be musical performances from Beverley Knight, Adam Lambert, Jacob Collier, Freya Ridings and James Bay.
Guests will include inspiring members of the community, from midwives, health visitors, early years practitioners, nursery teachers and community volunteers.
Members of the royal family will also be in attendance.
Last year, Kate was joined by Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, as well as King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and extended family.
Omid Scobie – who has been dubbed ‘Meghan’s cheerleader’ – released Endgame: Inside The Royal Family and The Monarchy’s Fight for Survival last month.
The Sun has revealed Endgame labels William “heartless”, claiming he denied Harry the opportunity of flying to the late Queen Elizabeth II‘s deathbed in September last year.
Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan have been left off the guestlist for his childhood friend the Duke of Westminster‘s wedding – yet William and Kate will attend the ceremony.
And a Conservative MP has launched a bid for a new law stripping the Sussexes of their royal titles.