Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton under pressure to ‘save’ royal family as the Queen steps back from duties, says expert
THE QUEEN is believed to be moving towards retirement, meaning it will be up to another two famous royal women to "save" the monarchy, according to an expert.
Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton are under pressure to "step up", claims commentator Kate Nicholl, as Her Majesty gradually retreats from duties ahead of her 95th birthday in 18 months' time.
"I think after a festive break, both Kate and Meghan will know that joint ventures to support the Queen are not only part of their duty, but also good for the public image," Kate said.
"[Kate] knows the pressure is on her and Meghan to save the royal family, to an extent."
She added that, with Prince Andrew stripped of duties, his charities may be redistributed in a way that mean the women, along with husbands Prince Harry, 35, and Prince William, 37, will have to put on a "united front" as they take them on.
"The Queen turns 94 this year and there's a plan in place to relieve her of her pressures, which is why she's calling on the four to step up," Kate added.
"Although the Cambridges and Sussexes have their own charities, I think the Queen's move towards retirement will force them to work closely with each other."
It comes after the couples very publicly parted ways earlier this year - with Meghan and Harry choosing to "split" with Kate and William and set up their own charitable foundation and Instagram account.
In October, the Duke of Sussex appeared to confirm "rift" rumours surrounding him and his older brother, the Duke of Cambridge, in an ITV documentary.
Speaking to journalist Tom Bradby while on the South Africa royal tour, Harry said: "We’re certainly on different paths."
The Sussexes have confirmed they will not be spending Christmas with the rest of the royal family at Sandringham.
Last week, they posted on Instagram a quote about kindness - days before the monarch threw a family Christmas party at Buckingham Palace which they did not attend.
It read: "Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community."
In other royal news, we told you how royal fans are disappointed Meghan and Harry's Christmas card is yet to be "finalised".
We also revealed how TV viewers got the giggles when Mary Berry asked Kate Middleton to "squirt on a cake".
And the Queen gives palace staff the same gift of a Tesco Christmas pudding every year.