Kate Middleton is ‘true box office star’ as she tops most popular royal poll – while Meghan is at the bottom with Andrew

PRINCESS Kate is the “box office star” of the royal family and is being “missed terribly” during her recovery, according to an expert.

The Princess of Wales, 42, has taken a break from royal duties following planned abdominal surgery in January, and her announcement that cancer has been found.

Last month, Kate discussed her "huge shock" at the discovery and said she began a course of "preventive chemotherapy" late in February.

Royal author Phil Dampier told Fabulous that the royal family will be hugely feeling her absence - particularly as a recent YouGov poll has found Kate to be the most popular royal.

He said: “There’s no doubt that the Princess of Wales is the box office star of the royal family and they are missing her terribly.

“We all hope she recovers from her cancer soon and is back in action for the summer.

“When we see her out and about again a lot of the current air of uncertainty about the royal family will disappear.”

New YouGov data found Kate to be the most popular royal with 76 per cent of people viewing her positively, which is an increase of six per cent since January.

Prince William is the second most popular royal with a 73 per cent approval rating, Princess Anne was third (71 per cent), with King Charles coming in fourth (63 per cent).

Prince Harry (31 per cent) and Meghan Markle (26 per cent) came below of the list, with only Prince Andrew (six per cent) below them in the table.

Kate’s announcement came just months after King Charles revealed on January 17 that he had been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate and was set to go to hospital.

At the time, the palace said his condition was "benign" and he would undergo "a corrective procedure".

Phil added: “The King’s cancer is obviously a great concern but long term the future is about Kate and William and their children.

“In ten or fifteen years’ time we will have George, Charlotte and Louis on the scene as adults and I’m sure they all have the potential to be global superstars.

“They are already showing great character and that can only be a good thing, so if Kate can get well and the royals get through this mini-crisis then the future looks very bright.”

Kate was last seen on public duty on Christmas Day, and has been unable to carry out official engagements since having her operation in January.

She is unlikely to return until after April 17 when her children go back to Lambrook School, near Ascot, following the Easter holidays.

Phil speculated about when we could be likely to see Kate returning to royal duties, with him saying: “It would be fantastic if she is well enough to go to Trooping the Colour, Buckingham Palace garden parties and Wimbledon.

“Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and others are doing their best under difficult circumstances but Kate is badly needed to add the glamour and excitement people warm to.”

He added that Kate has proved herself as a star in the family, particularly given attacks on the royal family by Prince Harry in a number of interviews and his memoir.

Phil added: “Despite all the brickbats thrown at her by Harry and Meghan through their Netflix show, interviews and Harry’s book Spare, she has never reacted and simply ignored the negativity.

There’s no doubt that the Princess of Wales is the box office star of the royal family and they are missing her terribly.

Phil Dampierroyal expert

“That must have been very hard sometimes but I think it is the best policy.

“Quite simply, why should she and William stoop to their level?

Some of the things Harry and Meghan have said are childish and spiteful, but Kate has maintained her dignity, even though she was battling illness.

“When she comes back she will be bigger and more popular than ever.”

Kate and King Charles are said to be "seeking solace and comfort from one another" and will be each other's "shoulder to lean on" after both being diagnosed with cancer, a royal expert has claimed.

Amid their ongoing health battles, royal commentator Jennie Bond claimed the pair, who have been growing ";closer and closer" over the years, will take comfort in the fact they both have a "shoulder to lean."

The Sun previously revealed King Charles had an "emotional" lunch with "beloved daughter-in-law" Kate hours before she revealed cancer diagnosis.

"Charles and Catherine have been getting closer and closer over the years," the royal commentator told .

"He's had a lot of admiration for her, even before they both became ill, but adversity always has the effect of binding people so much closer together.

"Their illnesses are an unbelievable and shocking coincidence, so for them to have each other as a shoulder to lean on must be beneficial for both of them as they go through this difficult time together."

We last saw Kate looking “happy” and “healthy” on March 16 after she was seen visiting the Windsor Farm Shop with William.