Prince William was recently revealed to be the most popular living royal among Americans
Princess Kate and Prince William look set to be able to play a “perfect” role in a “very significant” commemoration in the US next year, according to a royal commentator.
2026 will see the United States mark 250 years since declaring independence from Britain in 1776.
The prediction comes as the Royal Family prepares to host US President Donald Trump for an unprecedented second state visit in September.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believed that will present an opportunity for the UK to demonstrate the “importance of the monarchy here as a vehicle for soft power”.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believes Princess Kate and Prince William could have a ‘perfect’ role during a major US milestone
To that end, he said William and Kate will be “pivotal” in the success of the visit from Trump.
However, he also speculated the Waleses would be “perfect” to take Britain’s soft power to the US, as a key guest during next year’s celebrations.
Fitzwilliams explained that Trump’s “fondness” for the Royal Family and the popularity of Prince William among Americans made them ideal for the role.
In May, polling revealed that William was the most popular living royal in the US – with a huge 63 per cent thinking of him positively against only 10 per cent that did not.
The US was celebrate 250 years since declaring independence next year
“You could argue that King Charles and Queen Camilla might go, that would be momentous, of course,” the expert acknowleged.
He continued: “But if you are looking at the monarchy projecting a more youthful image, which is very important, I would have thought that’s something for William and Kate.
“I think they would be Perfect,” Fitzwilliams declared.
Naturally, one might question the irony of a royal presence at an Independence Day celebration, which ultimately marks the separation of the US from the Crown.
The Prince and Princess of Wales remain very popular in the US
However, Fitzwilliams believed the significance of the event, and the current US leader’s interest in royal affairs, would inevitably lead to an invitation being inked.
“It’s the sort of thing I would expect. I would have thought it would be almost automatic,” he said.
Before then, President Trump will take part in his second state visit to the UK in September, becoming the first elected leader in modern times to enjoy two such trips.
The US leader had previously been welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019 during his first term of office.
Donald Trump was hosted for his first state visit in 2019
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will be hosted by the King at Windsor Castle during their three-day visit.
“The President of the United States of America, President Donald J. Trump, accompanied by the First Lady Mrs. Melania Trump, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom from 17 September to 19 September 2025,” Buckingham Palace said.
There would have been an opportunity for the royals to meet Trump later this month, ahead of the official visit, as he will travel to him mother’s native Scotland.
However, The Palace and the White House have agreed that it is best to keep an in-person meeting for the full State Visit in September.
GB News understands that diary challenges were the main sticking point in the decision.
