Prince William and Kate Middleton are emerging as key figures in the UK’s efforts to project a softer, more diplomatic image on the global stage.
Royal author Lee Cohen highlighted the growing importance of “soft diplomacy” in his recent piece for The Sun, noting that the Prince and Princess of Wales are ideally positioned to help bridge gaps and build relationships with global leaders.
Cohen writes, “In an era where traditional hard power—military might and economic sanctions—often deepens divisions, there is a growing recognition of the value of soft diplomacy.” He continues, “The royals exemplify this shift. Their neutrality allows them to engage with leaders of all stripes, making connections that elected officials often cannot.”
The expert also pointed to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was renowned for her ability to form strong diplomatic ties with leaders across the world. “No one was better at this than the late Queen, who famously forged strong bonds with leaders like Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama, the latter of whom called her ‘one of my favorite people.’”
According to Cohen, Prince William and Kate Middleton now have the opportunity to build on the legacy of Queen Elizabeth, combining their global popularity with a focus on empathetic and impactful leadership. “Today, William and Kate Middleton can take this role to the next level, combining global popularity with a focus on impactful, empathetic leadership,” he adds.
Prince William’s recent successful meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump in France serves as a prime example of his diplomatic efforts, and it seems he and Kate are poised to continue expanding the royal family’s influence on the world stage.
Their unique position as non-partisan figures allows them to engage with leaders in a way that elected officials often cannot, making them vital assets to the UK’s global image. As Prince William and Kate’s diplomatic efforts continue to grow, their role in fostering international relationships and softening the country’s image seems more crucial than ever.