Last September marked a significant moment in Catherine's life when she was bestowed with a new title and a unique mission: to define her role as the new Princess of Wales. As the first
woman to bear this title since the iconic Diana, Princess of Wales, Catherine faced the daunting task of creating her own identity while honoring the legacy of her predecessor. Let's delve into Catherine's first year as the Princess of Wales.
On September 9, just a day after King Charles III's ascension to the throne, he made a televised announcement, officially proclaiming William and Catherine as the new Prince and Princess of Wales. During his address, the King expressed his confidence that they would inspire and lead national discussions, guiding important issues to the forefront where assistance is most needed.
From the outset, it was evident that Catherine was fully aware of the historical significance of the title and the inevitable comparisons to Diana. However, it was emphasized that Catherine was determined to pave her own way and create her distinct legacy.
In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II's passing and King Charles III's ascension, Catherine played a pivotal role in representing the Royal Family at various funeral events and memorials. She personally thanked volunteers who had maintained order during the mourning process and ensured that royal residences displayed proper decorum.
Regarding their work in Wales, the spokesperson for the Prince and Princess of Wales noted their commitment to fostering trust and respect among the Welsh people. They approached their roles with the same modesty and humility that characterized their previous work.
Catherine's inaugural visit to Wales as the Princess of Wales occurred towards the end of September. Together with William, she visited Anglesey, where they had spent their early married years while William served with the RAF, and Swansea to meet with community and first responder organizations.
Subsequently, the royal couple continued to make several visits to Wales since receiving their new titles.
As Princess of Wales, Catherine's dedication to early childhood development persisted, now imbued with added significance. In January 2023, she launched "Shaping Us," an initiative of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood aimed at raising awareness about the critical importance of the first five years of a child's life.
Catherine expressed, "All of society has a role to play in this, even if you are not directly involved in a child's life, because we are all responsible for building a more compassionate world in which our children can grow, learn, and live."
A few months later, she initiated the Business Taskforce for Early Childhood, encouraging businesses to prioritize families while fostering their own growth.
Catherine stated, "I truly believe that by investing in early childhood, with a specific focus on social and emotional development, businesses, in turn, will see in the future—better communication, better-working relationships, improved resilience, employees finding better work–life balance, less stress, more patience and understanding, and increased job satisfaction."
The taskforce's launch witnessed the participation of major businesses, including NatWest Group, Unilever, Aviva, Deloitte, IKEA UK and Ireland, Co-op, The LEGO Group, and Iceland.
Catherine's involvement with the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood continued to be a prominent aspect of her work throughout her first year as the Princess of Wales. Regular reports and findings were published, and in June, the Centre introduced its first field study project.
Inspired by her observations in Denmark, Catherine funded a field study of health visitors to select UK hospitals. This initiative stemmed from her visit to Denmark in February 2022, where she learned about the pivotal role of health visitors and was eager to introduce a similar program in the UK.
Her commitments to maternal and childhood organizations remained at the forefront, but Catherine also dedicated her time to various initiatives in the fields of arts, sports, mental health, and addiction.
In her role as patron of England Rugby, Catherine attended several matches and provided encouraging messages to the teams. She continued her enthusiastic participation in the Wimbledon tournament, even starring in a promotional film alongside Roger Federer to highlight the contributions of ballboys and ballgirls.
Catherine also extended her support to William at the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Boston, where she presented an award and visited Harvard University to discuss early childhood development.
For the second consecutive year, Catherine hosted her Christmas concert, 'Together at Christmas,' at Westminster Abbey. This festive carol service brought together charity workers, first responders, local heroes, and royalty for an enchanting evening.
Catherine's dedication to charitable work extended to her support for Ukraine. In the lead-up to Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, she held a significant meeting with Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, reinforcing the UK's commitment to the country. This collaboration continued in May 2023, prior to King Charles's coronation.
During her visit to a Ukrainian community center, Catherine unexpectedly joined a televised tribute to Ukraine during the May 2023 edition of Eurovision. She showcased her musical talents by playing the piano at Windsor Castle, captivating the audience in an exquisite blue ballgown.
Catherine's involvement in military associations expanded during her tenure as the Princess of Wales. In December 2022, she was appointed Royal Colonel of the Irish Guards, a position previously held by William. Since her marriage in 2011, Catherine has presented shamrocks to the Irish Guards on St. Patrick's Day.
Her role as Royal Colonel continued with her visits to the Irish Guards for training exercises early in 2023.
In August 2023, King Charles conferred additional military titles upon Catherine, designating her as Commodore-in-Chief Fleet Air Arm, Colonel-in-Chief 1st Queen's Dragoon Guards, and Royal Honorary Air Commodore-in-Chief RAF Conningsby.
Catherine's presence was felt prominently during the coronation festivities. She participated in receptions attended by foreign royalty, Commonwealth leaders, and other heads of state. Catherine also engaged with well-wishers who had gathered outside Buckingham Palace, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. Her role at the coronation ceremony on May 6 was particularly noteworthy, as she exuded grace while wearing the robes of the Royal Victorian Order and an elegant floral crown.
Throughout her first year as the Princess of Wales, Catherine consistently represented the Royal Family at various events, including Remembrance Sunday commemorations, Trooping the Colour, Easter services, Commonwealth Day celebrations, and hosting a Buckingham Palace Garden Party.
Catherine also made headlines for her splendid appearances at state banquets, where she graced the South African State Visit and the Diplomatic Reception. Her exquisite choice of tiaras, Queen Mary's Lover's Knot and the Lotus Tiara, added to the allure of these occasions.
In June 2023, Catherine embarked on her first overseas engagement on behalf of the British Royal Family, attending the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa of Jordan.
As the first year of Catherine's role as the Princess of Wales comes to a close, it is evident that she has adhered to her commitment to chart her own course. While Diana was known for her captivating presence and relished the attention, Catherine has maintained a private and down-to-earth demeanor when not representing the Royal Family. Her primary focus remains on her work and the continuation of her initiatives initiated during her time as the Duchess of Cambridge. Photo by Ian Jones, Wikimedia commons.