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If all the speculation and conspiracy theories that surrounded Kate Middleton’s whereabouts after her abdominal surgery and cancer revelation told us one thing, it’s that she is perhaps the one person in the British Royal Family that everyone cares most about.

Prince William may be next in line to ascend to the throne, but experts reckon the Princess of Wales may just be the key to the British monarchy’s longevity.

Tina Brown, royal expert and author of The Diana Chronicles, wrote in an op-ed for The New York Times that Catherine is the most popular member of the royal family after William.

“The future of the monarchy hangs by a thread, and that thread is her,” Brown said, per InStyle.

Brown noted the diminished gravitas of the royals being caused by the slimmed-down monarchy. In addition to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leaving their posts as senior royals to live in California with their children, Prince Andrew has also been away from the royal schedule after his scandal involving Jeffrey Epstein.

“Help from other family members is scant,” Brown added. “The slimmed-down monarchy that Charles always promoted is suddenly looking very lean indeed.”

Brown said that “Charles’s cancer has put William, 41, and Catherine in frightening proximity to ascending the throne,” which is what could be causing the couple “intense anxiety”.

Although, the king is not relenting just yet. Sources told The Sun that he is planning a trip to Australia this year if his treatments go as planned and he recovers.

“The king is raring to go after a significant amount of time off due to his cancer diagnosis,” an insider said.

On March 31, the king made his first public appearance since sharing his cancer diagnosis by attending the traditional Easter Sunday church service at Windsor Castle.

Then again, Paul Burrell, the former butler to Princess Diana, suggested that King Charles would take another 10 years before giving up the throne in favour of Prince William, if at all.

[source:instyle]