Kate Middleton set to 'guide' royals as 'matriarch' following Queen's death

Kate Middleton is the guiding force behind the royal family, according to Prince William's former private secretary.

• Prince William's former private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton has shared an insight into Kate Middleton's pivotal role within the royal fold.
•  Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the newly appointed Princess of Wales is believed to have stepped up with Prince William to take on more responsibilities within the Firm. 
• This royal news comes after Kate Middleton stunned in a blue vintage Chanel blazer as she stepped out with Prince William. 

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who died aged 96 at Balmoral Castle in September, a former royal staff member has shared that Kate Middleton is the family member stepping up to fill the role of the family's matriarch, offering guidance and support. 

Speaking to People, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who worked for Prince William as his private secretary, detailed how the Princess of Wales, who is mother to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, is stepping up to the mark.

"She is a matriarch. Not in the sense of an older woman in a twin set and pearls, but she guides the family and advises [William] when he wants it," he explained. 

Pointing out that Princess Catherine is taking on a modernized role as one of the heads of the family, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton continued, "Not in the sense of an older woman in a twin set and pearls, but she guides the family."

This follows reports that Kate intends to 'create her own path' and carve her own way after taking on her new Princess of Wales title. 

"The new Princess of Wales appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path," a royal source told The Guardian, with royal experts predicting Kate will continue to hone in on her interest in the early childhood years. 

"Kate has been increasingly hands-on and has shown a particular interest in early-years development, so I imagine she would like her legacy to show that she made a difference in that area," royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told the publication.