As the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death quickly approaches, one special member of the royal family is bringing the Winsdors together during this tough time — Kate Middleton. In an exclusive new interview with Closer Weekly, those close to the Duchess of Cambridge have revealed how Kate, 35, is keeping the monarchy’s spirits high and inspiring the royal family to talk through their lasting grief.

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“Kate Middleton has a vital role in helping to steer the family through some choppy waters,” royal author and journalist Phil Dampier told us. “Several polls have shown that… people blame Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall for what happened to Diana.” Sadly, Charles, 68, and his wife, Camilla, 70, have been taking the backlash very hard.

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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

“[They are] devastated… They were expecting a bit of a reaction but nothing on this scale. They thought that 20 years on, the interest in Diana would have been dying out and they could get on with their lives,” a royal insider told Closer. Thankfully, Kate — who herself was raised in a very stable, loving family — has been helping her husband, Prince William, 35, and brother-in-law Prince Harry, 32, cope with the situation.

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“She has been encouraging William and Harry to talk to their father about these issues and not ignore them… They have realized she talks a lot of sense,” a source told us. Surprisingly, the royal family has accepted Kate’s advice with open arms. “She is not tainted by scandal
and is seen as a wonderful mum and wife. Her status will grow and grow,” Dampier revealed.

In addition to helping the Windsors open up, Prince George and Princess Charlotte‘s mom is also keen on stepping up her work on behalf of the royal family, especially in the wake of Prince Philip’s recent retirement at age 96. “Kate feels [the family] should meet regularly to discuss the way forward, share out the jobs, and have a plan, and that is starting to happen. Kate firmly believes the royals can only prosper if they talk to each other,” the insider added.

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