Prince William, Kate Middleton facing more pressure than ever?

Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly carrying the institution's future on their shoulder.

This comes as the Princess of Wales made highly anticipated return to international travel during a widely celebrated visit to Italy, marking her first overseas engagement since revealing her cancer diagnosis in 2024.

Now, royal commentators say that the monarchy has become increasingly reliant on Kate and William following the departures of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, alongside the ongoing controversy surrounding Prince Andrew and King Charles continuing cancer treatment.

Catherine Mayer told People Magazine, "Princess Anne and the other senior working royals are all stretched thin — and none of them are young. William and Catherine carry the whole thing."

Adding, "For the moment, after that period of unprecedented turbulence, they are doing a very good job of making it look like the ship is steady. That is why Kate is so important."

"Charles is the incumbent, but she and William are the future. There is no institution without them," the expert noted.

Kate Middleton's Italy trip has fueled speculations that more overseas tour involving her and Prince William could soon follow.